To better understand the effects of plastic film mulching on soil greenhouse gases(GHGs) emissions,we compared seasonal and vertical variations of GHG concentrations at seven soil depths in maize(Zea mays L.) fiel...To better understand the effects of plastic film mulching on soil greenhouse gases(GHGs) emissions,we compared seasonal and vertical variations of GHG concentrations at seven soil depths in maize(Zea mays L.) fields at Changwu station in Shaanxi,a semi-humid region,between 2012 and 2013.Gas samples were taken simultaneously every one week from non-mulched(BP) and plastic film-mulched(FM) field plots.The results showed that the concentration of GHGs varied distinctly at the soil-atmosphere interface and in the soil profile during the maize growing season(MS).Both carbon dioxide(CO_2) and nitrous oxide(N_2O) concentrations increased with increasement of soil depth,while the methane(CH_4)concentrations decreased with increasement of soil depth.A strong seasonal variation pattern was found for CO_2 and N_2O concentrations,as compared to an inconspicuous seasonal variation of CH_4 concentrations.The mean CO_2 and N_2O concentrations were higher,but the mean CH_4 concentration in the soil profiles was lower in the FM plots than in the BP plots.The results of this study suggested that plastic film mulching significantly increased the potential emissions of CO_2and N_2O from the soil,and promoted CH_4 absorption by the soil,particularly during the MS.展开更多
Effects of soil moisture on cotton root length density (total root length per unit soil volume) and yield under drip irrigation with plastic mulch were studied through field experiments. The results indicate that spat...Effects of soil moisture on cotton root length density (total root length per unit soil volume) and yield under drip irrigation with plastic mulch were studied through field experiments. The results indicate that spatial distributions of root length density of cotton under various water treatments were basically similar. Horizontally, both root length densities of cotton in wide and narrow rows were similar, and higher than that between mulches. Vertically, root length density of cotton decreased with increasing soil depth. The distribution of root length density is different under different irrigation treatments. In conditions of over-irrigation, the root length density of cotton between mulches would increase. However, it would decrease in both the wide rows and narrow rows. The mean root length density of cotton increased with increasing irrigation water. Water stress caused the root length density to increase in lower soil layers. There is a significant correlation between root length density and yields of cotton at the flower-boll and wadding stages. The regression between irrigation amount and yield of cotton can be expressed as y = -0.0026x2+18.015x-24845 (R2 = 0.959). It showed that the irrigation volume of 3,464.4 m3/hm2 led to op-timal root length density. The yield of cotton was 6,360 .8 kg/hm2 under that amount of irrigation.展开更多
Salt stress has been increasingly constraining crop productivity in arid lands of the world. In our recent study, salt stress was aleviated and crop productivity was improved remarkably by straw layer burial plus plas...Salt stress has been increasingly constraining crop productivity in arid lands of the world. In our recent study, salt stress was aleviated and crop productivity was improved remarkably by straw layer burial plus plastic iflm mulching in a saline soil. However, its impact on the microlfora diversity is not wel documented. Field micro-plot experiments were conducted from 2010 to 2011 using four tilage methods: (i) deep tilage with plastic iflm mulching (CK), (i) straw layer burial at 40 cm (S), (ii) straw layer burial plus surface soil mulching with straw material (S+S), and (iv) plastic iflm mulching plus buried straw layer (P+S). Culturable microbes and predominant bacterial communities were studied; based on 16S rDNA, bacterial com-munity structure and abundance were characterized using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results showed that P+S was the most favorable for culturable bacteria, actinomyces and fungi and induced the most diverse genera of bacteria compared to other tilage methods. Soil temperature had signiifcant positive correlations with the number of bacteria, actinomyces and fungi (P〈0.01). However, soil water was poorly correlated with any of the microbes. Salt content had a signiifcant negative correlation with the number of microbers, especialy for bacteria and fungi (P〈0.01). DGGE analysis showed that the P+S exhibited the highest diversity of bacteria with 20 visible bands folowed by S+S, S and CK. Moreover, P+S had the highest similarity (68%) of bacterial communities with CK. The major bacterial genera in al soil samples wereFirmicutes,Proteobacteria andActinobacteria. Given the considerable increase in microbial growth, the combined use of straw layer burial and plastic iflm mulching could be a practical option for aleviating salt stress effects on soil microbial community and thereby improving crop production in arid saline soils.展开更多
The effects of film mulching of millet on soil water content were studied in semi-arid areas in the Loess Plateau of South Ningxia, China. Different mulching methods including water micro-collecting farming (WF), wa...The effects of film mulching of millet on soil water content were studied in semi-arid areas in the Loess Plateau of South Ningxia, China. Different mulching methods including water micro-collecting farming (WF), water micro-collecting farming in winter fallow (WW), hole seeding on film (HF), hole seeding on film in winter fallow (HW) were compared to determine the effects of mulching methods on soil water collecting and conservation during millet growth periods of 2003-2004, as well as the variation tendency of water content after rainfall, output of millet and water use efficiency (WUE). The experimental results in the two successive years indicated that water micro-collecting farming had a better function of collecting water after rainfall, and side infiltrated water was stored under the ridges and the top layer 0-40 cm soil water changes were great. WF had obvious role in water collection and preservation of soil moisture. It effectively improved the water supply capacity by about 19.05% in the end of growth seasons. The storage of HW and WW increased by 24.9 and 7.1 mm compared with CK, and output of yield were obviously increased. Film mulching increased the yield of millet and enhanced water use efficiency (WUE). During different growth periods, WF exhibited better water storage function with lower water consumption, and demonstrated optimal social and ecological benefits.展开更多
Film mulching system is a widely employed agricultural practice worldwide. However, the effects of different planting and mulching patterns on soil nutrient content and enzymatic activity have not been well documented...Film mulching system is a widely employed agricultural practice worldwide. However, the effects of different planting and mulching patterns on soil nutrient content and enzymatic activity have not been well documented. In this study, we examined the impact of four planting and mulching patterns(including control, flat planting without mulching; M1, flat planting with film mulching; M2, ridge-furrow planting with film mulching on both ridges and furrows; and M3, ridge-furrow planting with film mulching on continuous ridges) on the seed yield of winter oilseed rape, soil moisture, soil temperature, soil organic carbon(SOC) content, soil nutrient content, and soil enzymatic activity over three growing seasons from 2012 to 2015 in a winter oilseed rape field in the semi-arid area of Northwest China. Seed yield of winter oilseed rape, soil moisture, soil temperature, enzymatic activities, and contents of nitrate-nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium were all significantly higher in mulching treatments(M1, M2 and M3) than in control treatment over the three growing seasons, whereas SOC content was significantly lower in mulching treatments than in control treatment during 2013–2014 and 2014–2015. Among the three mulching treatments(M1, M2 and M3), the M3 treatment showed consistently higher seed yield, SOC content, nutrient contents, and enzymatic activities than the other two treatments. Seed yield of winter oilseed rape was 41.1% and 15.0% higher in M3 than in M1 and M2, respectively. SOC content and soil enzymatic activities in the top 0–20 cm soil layers and nitrate-nitrogen content in the top 0–30 cm soil layers were all significantly higher in M3 than in M1 and M2. Therefore, we advise the ridge-furrow planting with film mulching on continuous ridges(i.e., M3) as an efficient planting and mulching pattern for sustainably improving the seed yield of winter oilseed rape and preserving soil fertility in the semi-arid area of Northwest China.展开更多
The ridge and furrow rainfall harvesting(RFRH) system is used for dryland crop production in northwest of China.To determine the effects of RFRH using different mulching materials on corn growth and water use effici...The ridge and furrow rainfall harvesting(RFRH) system is used for dryland crop production in northwest of China.To determine the effects of RFRH using different mulching materials on corn growth and water use efficiency(WUE),a field experiment was conducted during 2008-2010 at the Heyang Dryland Experimental Station,China.Four treatments were used in the study.Furrows received uncovered mulching in all RFRH treatments whereas ridges were mulched with plastic film(PF),biodegradable film(BF) or liquid film(LF).A conventional flat field without mulching was used as the control(CK).The results indicated that the average soil water storage at depths of 0-200 cm were 8.2 and 7.3%,respectively higher with PF and BF than with CK.However,LF improved soil water storage during the early growth stage of the crop.Compared with CK,the corn yields with PF and BF were increased by 20.4 and 19.4%,respectively,and WUE with each treatment increased by 23.3 and 21.7%,respectively.There were no significant differences in corn yield or WUE with the PF and BF treatments.The net income was the highest with PF,followed by BF,and the 3-yr average net incomes with these treatments were increased by 2 559 and 2 430 CNY ha-1,respectively,compared with CK.BF and PF had similar effects in enhancing the soil water content,crop yield and net income.Therefore,it can be concluded that biodegradable film may be a sustainable ecological alternative to plastic film for use in the RFRH system in northwest of China.展开更多
To reveal the influencing effect of the long-term straw mulching on the soil moisture, this paper employed the field experiment data in 2010 of a typical area of Taihang Mountains plain, observed the soil moisture dyn...To reveal the influencing effect of the long-term straw mulching on the soil moisture, this paper employed the field experiment data in 2010 of a typical area of Taihang Mountains plain, observed the soil moisture dynamic regularities under different mulching patterns by virtue of depressimeter and neutron probe, analyzed the characteristics of soil water content and storage in different depths and seasons under the long-term straw mulching. The results showed that the long-term straw mulching can keep the soil moisture conservation of the deep, while decreased the shallow.(1) The long-term straw mulching can changed the type of soil water movement. If no straw mulching, the type is mainly evaporation-infiltration. And with straw mantle the type would change into infiltration. The number of zero flux plane would be reduced or absent.(2) The long-term straw mulching can increase the soil water reserves of the whole soil profile with the depth between 0 cm and 220 cm. But the soil water content of the layer from 30 cm to 80 cm decreased and the soil water content of the layer from 80 cm to 220 cm increased instead., The effect of soil moisture conservation on winter wheat is not obvious;(3) With no straw mulching, the depth of infiltration recharge by rainfall or irrigation is shallower than 80 cm. In a straw mulching, the influence depth is can extend to 120 cm;(4) With no straw mulching, there is a deep layer on the depth of 220 cm between March and June, while this layer will disappear with a long-term straw mulching.展开更多
Careful soil management is important for the soil quality and productivity improvement of the reclaimed coastal tidal flat saline land in northern Jiangsu Province, China. Farmyard manure( FYM) and mulch application...Careful soil management is important for the soil quality and productivity improvement of the reclaimed coastal tidal flat saline land in northern Jiangsu Province, China. Farmyard manure( FYM) and mulch applications, which affect soil characteristics and plant significantly, are regard as an effective pattern of saline land improvement. As a conventional management in the study region, FYM and mulch are used for the amendment of the new reclaimed tidal flat regularly, but little is known about their effects on soil physical properties functioning. A study was conducted on a typical coastal tidal flat saline land, which was reclaimed in 2005, to evaluate the effects of FYM, polyethylene film mulch(PM), straw mulch(SM), FYM combined with PM(FYM+PM), FYM combined with SM(FYM+SM), on soil hydraulic properties and soil mechanical impedance. CK represented conventional cultivation in study area without FYM and mulch application and served as a control. The experiment, laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications, was studied in Huanghaiyuan Farm, which specialized in the agricultural utilization for coastal tidal flat. Result showed that capillary water holding capacity(CHC), saturated water content(SWC), saturated hydraulic conductivity( Ks) and bulk density(BD), cone index(CI) were affected significantly by the FYM and mulch application, especially in the 0-10 cm soil layer. FYM and mulch management increased CHC, SWC and Ks over all soil depth in the order of FYM+SM〉FYM+PM〉FYM〉SM〉PM〉CK. With the contrary sequence, BD and CI decreased significantly; however, FYM and mulch application affected BD and CI only in the upper soil layers. CHC, SWC and Ks decreased significantly with the increasing of soil depth, BD and CI, and a significant liner equation was found between CHC, SWC, Ks and BD, CI. With the highest CHC(38.15%), SWC(39.55%), Ks(6.00 mm h-1) and the lowest BD(1.26 g cm-3) and CI(2.71 MPa), the combined management of FYM and SM was recommend to be an effective method for the melioration of reclaimed coastal tidal flat saline soil.展开更多
Straw mulching allows for effective water storage in dryland wheat production. Finding a suitable straw mulching model that facilitates wheat growth was the objective of this study. A 2-year field experiment was condu...Straw mulching allows for effective water storage in dryland wheat production. Finding a suitable straw mulching model that facilitates wheat growth was the objective of this study. A 2-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of two straw mulching patterns (FM, full coverage within all the rows; HM, half coverage within alternate rows) and two mulching rates (4.5 and 9.0 t ha^-1) on soil moisture, soil temperature, grain yield, and water use efficiency (WUE) of winter wheat in northern China, with no mulching (M0) as the control. Results showed that mulching increased the soil water storage in all growth stages under high mulching rates, with a stronger effect in later growth stages. Water storage under the HM model was greater in later stages than under the FM model. Soil water content of HM groups was higher than that of FM groups, especially in surface soil layers. Evapotranspiration decreased in mulched groups and was higher under high mulching rates. Aboveground biomass during each growth stage under the HM model was higher than that under M0 and FM models with the same mulched rate, leading to a relatively higher grain yield under the HM model. Mulching increased WUE, a trend that was more obvious under HM9.0 treatment. Warming effect of soil temperature under the HM pattern persisted longer than under the FM model with the same mulching rates. Accumulated soil temperature under mulched treatments increased, and the period of negative soil temperature decreased by 9-12 days under FM and by 10-20 days under HM. Thus, the HM pattern with 9.0 t ha^-1 mulching rate is beneficial for both soil temperature and water content management and can contribute to high yields and high WUE for wheat production in China.展开更多
Shortages and fluctuations in precipitation are influential limiting factors for the sustainable cultivation of rain-fed winter wheat on the Loess Plateau of China. Plastic film mulching is one of the most effective w...Shortages and fluctuations in precipitation are influential limiting factors for the sustainable cultivation of rain-fed winter wheat on the Loess Plateau of China. Plastic film mulching is one of the most effective water management practices to improve soil moisture, and may be useful in the Loess Plateau for increasing soil water storage. A field experiment was conducted from July 2010 to June 2012 on the Loess Plateau to investigate the effects of mulching time and rates on soil water storage, evapotranspiration (ET), water use efficiency (WUE), and grain yield. Six treatments were conducted: (1) early mulching (starting 30 days after harvest) with whole mulching (EW); (2) early mulching with half mulching (EH); (3) early mulching with no mulching (EN); (4) late mulching (starting 60 days after harvest) with whole mulching (LW); (5) late mulching with half mulching (LH); and (6) late mulching with no mulching (LN). EW increased precipitation storage efficiency during the fallow periods of each season by 18.4 and 17.8%, respectively. EW improved soil water storage from 60 days after harvest to the booting stage and also outperformed LN by 13.8 and 20.9% in each growing season. EW also improved spike number per ha by 13.8 and 20.9% and grain yield by 11.7 and 17.4% during both years compared to LN. However, EW decreased WUE compared with LN. The overall results of this study demonstrated that EW could be a productive and efficient practice to improve wheat yield on the Loess Plateau of China.展开更多
The relation between soil water content and the growth of cotton root was studied for the scheme of field water and cotton yield under mulched drip irrigation. Based on the field experiments, three treatments of soil ...The relation between soil water content and the growth of cotton root was studied for the scheme of field water and cotton yield under mulched drip irrigation. Based on the field experiments, three treatments of soil water content were conducted with 90%, 75%θf, and 60%θf (θfis field water capacity). Cotton roots and root-shoot ratio were studied with digging method, and the soil moisture was observed with TDR (time domain reflector), and cotton yield was measured. The results indicated that the growth of cotton root accorded with Logistic growth curve in the three treatments, the cotton root grew quickly and its weight was very high under 75%θf because of the suitable soil water condition, while grew slowly and its weight was lower under 90%θf due to water moisture beyond the suitable condition, and the root weight was in between under 60%θf For the three water treatments, the cotton root weight decreased with soil depth, and decreased more significantly in deeper soil layer with the soil moisture increasing. And the ratio of cotton root weight in 0-30 cm soil layer to the total root weight was the highest under 75%θf. The cotton root system was distributed mainly in the soil of narrow row and wide row mulched with plastic film, and little in the soil outside plastic film. The weight of cotton root was the highest in the soil of narrow row or wide row mulched with plastic film under 75%θf. Root-shoot ratio decreased with the soil moisture increasing. The soil water content affected cotton yields, and cotton yield was the highest under 75%θf. The higher soil moisture level is unfavorable to the growth of cotton root system and yield of cotton under mulched drip irrigation.展开更多
Soil microbial flora and influencing factors of soil microbes in soil and gravel-sand mixed layer( SGSML),roots denseness layer( RDL),eluviate layer( EL) and calcium accumulation layer( CAL) in gravel-sand mul...Soil microbial flora and influencing factors of soil microbes in soil and gravel-sand mixed layer( SGSML),roots denseness layer( RDL),eluviate layer( EL) and calcium accumulation layer( CAL) in gravel-sand mulched fields( GSMFs) with different gravel mulched years( 1,6,12,19 and 25 years) were studied. The results showed that in the composition of soil microbes in the GSMFs,the quantity of bacteria was the largest,followed by actinomycetes,while the number of fungi was the smallest. The total quantity of soil microorganisms in the GSMFs dropped rapidly with the increase of soil depth,which was related to the sudden decrease in the quantity of bacteria. The number of microbes in the RDL was larger than that in the SGSML with few roots due to the effects of root distribution. The number of bacteria and actinomycete in the growing season was larger than that in the non-growing season,while the quantity of fungi in the growing season was smaller than that in the non-growing season. The quantity of bacteria and fungi was the largest in the GSMFs which had been mulched with gravel for 6-12 years. With the increase of mulching time,the GSMFs aged gradually,so their quantity reduced gradually. The quantity of actinomycetes was the smallest in the GSMFs which had been mulched with gravel for 6-12 years and increased with the increase of mulching time. The number of soil microbes in the GSMFs had a good correlation with soil moisture content,p H and mulching time. Soil total carbon content was an important factor restricting the quantity of soil microbes in the GSMFs.展开更多
Dry mulch, as soil moisture conservation techniques, is seldom practiced for growth and survival of transplanted tree seedlings in dry period in Eritrea. Field experiment was conducted at Halhale, Eritrea with Dry <...Dry mulch, as soil moisture conservation techniques, is seldom practiced for growth and survival of transplanted tree seedlings in dry period in Eritrea. Field experiment was conducted at Halhale, Eritrea with Dry <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Hyparrhenia</span></i> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">rufa</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, as a mulch, on a flat basin for growth and survival of seedlings of </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Grevillea</span></i> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">robusta</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Acacia</span></i> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">polyacantha</span></i> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">subspecies</span></i><i><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Campylacantha</span></i><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">by involving</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> four </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">management practices: 1) mulching and watering basins (MW);2)</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> no-mulching but watering basins (NMW);3) mulching but no-watering basins (MNW);4) no-mulching and no-watering basins (NMNW).</span></span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The experimental design was CRD with three replications. MW and NMW were watered 180 litters (20 litters/month) but MNW and NMNW were not watered at all. Parameters such as soil moisture content of the basin, early growth performance of seedling and survival rate of the seedlings were studied. The result indicated that there were statistically significant differences (p</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">0.05) among the treatment for soil moisture content and early growth performance of the seedlings. The average volumetric water content (VWC%) on 0</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">20</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">cm soil depth at the end of dry period of MW, NMW, MNW, and NMNW were 10.08</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">%</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, 7.7</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">%</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, 6.3</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">%</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and 3.9% respectively. Mean height increment of seedlings of </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">G.</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">robusta</span></i><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">of MW (100</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">cm), NMW (83.3</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">cm), MNW (31.5</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">cm) and NMNW (9</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">cm) were recorded, while the mean height increments of seedlings of </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">A.</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">polyacantha</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> <i>subsp.</i></span><i><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Campylacantha</span></i><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">of MW (48</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">cm), NMW (25</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">cm), MNW (4.5</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">cm) and NMNW (3</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">cm) were recorded</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> The mean survival rate of </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">G.</span></i> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">robusta</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> was 91.8% of which the highest (100%) survival rate was recorded under MW, NMW and MNW, but the lowest (66.7%) was recorded by NMNW. All seedlings of </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">A.</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">polyacanth</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> <i>subsp.</i></span><i><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Campylacantha</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> were survived, irrespective of the treatments. The study concluded that soil moisture content, early growth performance of seedlings, and survival rate of transplanted tree seedling was improved by application of mulch.</span>展开更多
A field study was conducted to evaluate the effect of organic mulches and tillage practices on growth, yield of cluster bean and soil physical properties. Experiment was comprised of two factors: A (Tillage), B (Mulch...A field study was conducted to evaluate the effect of organic mulches and tillage practices on growth, yield of cluster bean and soil physical properties. Experiment was comprised of two factors: A (Tillage), B (Mulches). Factor A was assigned to main plot and consisted of two treatments (Minimum tillage and Conventional tillage). Factor B was assigned to sub plot and consisted of four treatments (no mulch, wheat straw mulch, grass clipping mulch and saw dust mulch). The mulching materials were partially incorporated in the field after germination of crop. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement having three replications. Control treatment was kept for comparison. All other agronomic practices were kept standardized and consistent for all the treatments. Data regarding growth and yield components were collected and analyzed statistically by fisher analysis of variance and treatment significance was measured by significant difference test at 5% probability level. The factors, tillage and mulches significantly affected growth, yield, yield parameters and soil physical properties. Maximum plant population (31.7 m<sup>2</sup>), plant height (159 cm), branches per plant (18.9), cluster per plant (15.88), grains per pod (7.3), 1000-grain weight (34.6 g), grain yield (1.9 t•ha<sup>-1</sup>), biological yield (9.91 t•ha<sup>-1</sup>) and harvest index (19.15) was recorded in conventional tillage comparative to minimum tillage. Mulches also affected grain yield, and maximum grain yield was recorded in wheat straw mulch (1.88 t•ha<sup>-1</sup>) followed by grass clipping mulch (1.81 t•ha<sup>-1</sup>) and saw dust mulch (1.76 t•ha<sup>-1</sup>) while minimum grain yield was recorded in control without mulch application (1.67 t•ha<sup>-1</sup>). Tillage and mulches interactively affect pH, soil organic matter contents, electrical conductivity and soil bulk density. Mulches and minimum tillage improved soil physical properties. Highest BCR was obtained from conventional tillage without mulch and lowest calculated from minimum tillage with saw dust application. The conclusion is that the mulching and conventional tillage improves cluster bean yield about 1%.展开更多
During the 2022 growing season (August to November) at the Federal University of Technology, Minna School farm, Niger State, an experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of mulching on Okras growth, yield,...During the 2022 growing season (August to November) at the Federal University of Technology, Minna School farm, Niger State, an experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of mulching on Okras growth, yield, and moisture content was examined across four distinct growth stages (initial, development, mid, and late) and at varying soil depths (0 - 30 cm and 30 - 60 cm). The study employed a randomised complete block design with four replications, encompassing control (T0), groundnut shells mulch (T1), black polythene mulch (T2), and white polythene mulch (T3) as treatments. The highest average Okra fresh pod yield, amounting to 23.4 t/ha, was achieved by implementing white plastic mulch, contrasting with the control treatment, which yielded the lowest at 22 t/ha. Notably, the control plots exhibited yield reductions of up to 32% compared to the plots employing white plastic mulching. The utilisation of mulch had a notable impact on the overall crop yield, with the superior quality evident in the treatment employing white plastic mulch (26 t/ha). The control treatment exhibited the lowest quality at 24.3 t/ha. Groundnut shell mulch influenced moisture conservation, but no significant variance was observed compared to the control plots. Therefore, the study suggests that polythene mulch may be the most suitable type to enhance the quality of okra production by conserving soil moisture. Among the biodegradable and non-biodegradable mulches used in this study, white polythene mulch was the most effective.展开更多
To better understand the effects of direct sowing under mulch-based cropping system (DMC) in Burkina Faso’s cotton production systems, randomized blocks of Fisher experimental design were implemented at Farako-B<s...To better understand the effects of direct sowing under mulch-based cropping system (DMC) in Burkina Faso’s cotton production systems, randomized blocks of Fisher experimental design were implemented at Farako-B<span style="white-space:nowrap;">a</span> research station from 2010 to 2019. The study was conducted on lixisoil to evaluate DMC effects on biomass production, crops yields and soil chemical properties in a maize and cotton rotation system associated with cover crop. Conventional tillage and direct seeding without cover crop were compared to DMC under <em>B</em>. <em>ruziziensis</em> (GERM. & EVRARD), DMC under <em>B</em>. <em>ruziziensis</em> + <em>M</em><em>.</em> <em>cochinchinensis</em> mulch and DMC under <em>C. juncea</em> (L.) mulch used in association with maize. Biomass production, crop yields and soil chemistry were evaluated. Results showed that over 10 years, no-till with or without a cover crop provided cotton seed and maize yields that were statistically equivalent to the tillage commonly practiced by farmers. Cover crop has allowed increasing the biomass production compared to Conventional Tillage and Direct Seeding. Maize yield has not varied significantly with the cover crop. After 10 years of maize and cotton rotation, the improvement raised from +27% to +38% for organic matter and from +15% to +29% for nitrogen with DMC including legumes such as <em>M. cochinchinensis</em> and <em>C. juncea</em> compared to Conventional Tillage on 0 - 5 cm depth. No significant differences were found on soil pH like P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> and K<sub>2</sub>O content. Although DMC with <em>C. juncea</em> used as cover crop did not provide the best biomass production, it contributes to increase nitrogen and organic matter and presents better mineral balances in 10 years of rotation. The 5 - 10 cm and 10 - 20 cm were little influenced by DMC systems.展开更多
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31270553,51279197,41401343)the Special Fund for Agricultural Profession, China(201103003)
文摘To better understand the effects of plastic film mulching on soil greenhouse gases(GHGs) emissions,we compared seasonal and vertical variations of GHG concentrations at seven soil depths in maize(Zea mays L.) fields at Changwu station in Shaanxi,a semi-humid region,between 2012 and 2013.Gas samples were taken simultaneously every one week from non-mulched(BP) and plastic film-mulched(FM) field plots.The results showed that the concentration of GHGs varied distinctly at the soil-atmosphere interface and in the soil profile during the maize growing season(MS).Both carbon dioxide(CO_2) and nitrous oxide(N_2O) concentrations increased with increasement of soil depth,while the methane(CH_4)concentrations decreased with increasement of soil depth.A strong seasonal variation pattern was found for CO_2 and N_2O concentrations,as compared to an inconspicuous seasonal variation of CH_4 concentrations.The mean CO_2 and N_2O concentrations were higher,but the mean CH_4 concentration in the soil profiles was lower in the FM plots than in the BP plots.The results of this study suggested that plastic film mulching significantly increased the potential emissions of CO_2and N_2O from the soil,and promoted CH_4 absorption by the soil,particularly during the MS.
基金supported by the National 973 project (2009CB421302)the National Project (2007BAC03A0604)the key National Natural Science Foundation (40830640)
文摘Effects of soil moisture on cotton root length density (total root length per unit soil volume) and yield under drip irrigation with plastic mulch were studied through field experiments. The results indicate that spatial distributions of root length density of cotton under various water treatments were basically similar. Horizontally, both root length densities of cotton in wide and narrow rows were similar, and higher than that between mulches. Vertically, root length density of cotton decreased with increasing soil depth. The distribution of root length density is different under different irrigation treatments. In conditions of over-irrigation, the root length density of cotton between mulches would increase. However, it would decrease in both the wide rows and narrow rows. The mean root length density of cotton increased with increasing irrigation water. Water stress caused the root length density to increase in lower soil layers. There is a significant correlation between root length density and yields of cotton at the flower-boll and wadding stages. The regression between irrigation amount and yield of cotton can be expressed as y = -0.0026x2+18.015x-24845 (R2 = 0.959). It showed that the irrigation volume of 3,464.4 m3/hm2 led to op-timal root length density. The yield of cotton was 6,360 .8 kg/hm2 under that amount of irrigation.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31471455,31000692 and 31070002)the Fundamental Research Funds for National Public Research Institutions,China(ZYQHS2015-25)the Beijing Natural Science Foundation,China(5152017)
文摘Salt stress has been increasingly constraining crop productivity in arid lands of the world. In our recent study, salt stress was aleviated and crop productivity was improved remarkably by straw layer burial plus plastic iflm mulching in a saline soil. However, its impact on the microlfora diversity is not wel documented. Field micro-plot experiments were conducted from 2010 to 2011 using four tilage methods: (i) deep tilage with plastic iflm mulching (CK), (i) straw layer burial at 40 cm (S), (ii) straw layer burial plus surface soil mulching with straw material (S+S), and (iv) plastic iflm mulching plus buried straw layer (P+S). Culturable microbes and predominant bacterial communities were studied; based on 16S rDNA, bacterial com-munity structure and abundance were characterized using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results showed that P+S was the most favorable for culturable bacteria, actinomyces and fungi and induced the most diverse genera of bacteria compared to other tilage methods. Soil temperature had signiifcant positive correlations with the number of bacteria, actinomyces and fungi (P〈0.01). However, soil water was poorly correlated with any of the microbes. Salt content had a signiifcant negative correlation with the number of microbers, especialy for bacteria and fungi (P〈0.01). DGGE analysis showed that the P+S exhibited the highest diversity of bacteria with 20 visible bands folowed by S+S, S and CK. Moreover, P+S had the highest similarity (68%) of bacterial communities with CK. The major bacterial genera in al soil samples wereFirmicutes,Proteobacteria andActinobacteria. Given the considerable increase in microbial growth, the combined use of straw layer burial and plastic iflm mulching could be a practical option for aleviating salt stress effects on soil microbial community and thereby improving crop production in arid saline soils.
基金This study was supported by a key grant from China National 863 High Technology Program(2002AA2Z4021—2)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(30070439,303002 1 3) the Young Key Scholar Program of Northwest A & F University
文摘The effects of film mulching of millet on soil water content were studied in semi-arid areas in the Loess Plateau of South Ningxia, China. Different mulching methods including water micro-collecting farming (WF), water micro-collecting farming in winter fallow (WW), hole seeding on film (HF), hole seeding on film in winter fallow (HW) were compared to determine the effects of mulching methods on soil water collecting and conservation during millet growth periods of 2003-2004, as well as the variation tendency of water content after rainfall, output of millet and water use efficiency (WUE). The experimental results in the two successive years indicated that water micro-collecting farming had a better function of collecting water after rainfall, and side infiltrated water was stored under the ridges and the top layer 0-40 cm soil water changes were great. WF had obvious role in water collection and preservation of soil moisture. It effectively improved the water supply capacity by about 19.05% in the end of growth seasons. The storage of HW and WW increased by 24.9 and 7.1 mm compared with CK, and output of yield were obviously increased. Film mulching increased the yield of millet and enhanced water use efficiency (WUE). During different growth periods, WF exhibited better water storage function with lower water consumption, and demonstrated optimal social and ecological benefits.
基金supported by the Special Fund for Agro-scientific Research in the Public Interest,China (201503125,201503105)the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (2011AA100504)
文摘Film mulching system is a widely employed agricultural practice worldwide. However, the effects of different planting and mulching patterns on soil nutrient content and enzymatic activity have not been well documented. In this study, we examined the impact of four planting and mulching patterns(including control, flat planting without mulching; M1, flat planting with film mulching; M2, ridge-furrow planting with film mulching on both ridges and furrows; and M3, ridge-furrow planting with film mulching on continuous ridges) on the seed yield of winter oilseed rape, soil moisture, soil temperature, soil organic carbon(SOC) content, soil nutrient content, and soil enzymatic activity over three growing seasons from 2012 to 2015 in a winter oilseed rape field in the semi-arid area of Northwest China. Seed yield of winter oilseed rape, soil moisture, soil temperature, enzymatic activities, and contents of nitrate-nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium were all significantly higher in mulching treatments(M1, M2 and M3) than in control treatment over the three growing seasons, whereas SOC content was significantly lower in mulching treatments than in control treatment during 2013–2014 and 2014–2015. Among the three mulching treatments(M1, M2 and M3), the M3 treatment showed consistently higher seed yield, SOC content, nutrient contents, and enzymatic activities than the other two treatments. Seed yield of winter oilseed rape was 41.1% and 15.0% higher in M3 than in M1 and M2, respectively. SOC content and soil enzymatic activities in the top 0–20 cm soil layers and nitrate-nitrogen content in the top 0–30 cm soil layers were all significantly higher in M3 than in M1 and M2. Therefore, we advise the ridge-furrow planting with film mulching on continuous ridges(i.e., M3) as an efficient planting and mulching pattern for sustainably improving the seed yield of winter oilseed rape and preserving soil fertility in the semi-arid area of Northwest China.
基金supported by the Key Technologies R&D Program of China during the 11th Five-Year Plan period (2006BAD29B03)the 111 Project (B12007)the Shaanxi Technology Project, China (2010K02-08-2)
文摘The ridge and furrow rainfall harvesting(RFRH) system is used for dryland crop production in northwest of China.To determine the effects of RFRH using different mulching materials on corn growth and water use efficiency(WUE),a field experiment was conducted during 2008-2010 at the Heyang Dryland Experimental Station,China.Four treatments were used in the study.Furrows received uncovered mulching in all RFRH treatments whereas ridges were mulched with plastic film(PF),biodegradable film(BF) or liquid film(LF).A conventional flat field without mulching was used as the control(CK).The results indicated that the average soil water storage at depths of 0-200 cm were 8.2 and 7.3%,respectively higher with PF and BF than with CK.However,LF improved soil water storage during the early growth stage of the crop.Compared with CK,the corn yields with PF and BF were increased by 20.4 and 19.4%,respectively,and WUE with each treatment increased by 23.3 and 21.7%,respectively.There were no significant differences in corn yield or WUE with the PF and BF treatments.The net income was the highest with PF,followed by BF,and the 3-yr average net incomes with these treatments were increased by 2 559 and 2 430 CNY ha-1,respectively,compared with CK.BF and PF had similar effects in enhancing the soil water content,crop yield and net income.Therefore,it can be concluded that biodegradable film may be a sustainable ecological alternative to plastic film for use in the RFRH system in northwest of China.
基金supported by National Fund Science and Technology Project(41672249 and 41602271)China Geological Survey Project(DD20160190)Shallow Geothermal Energy Development and Geothermal Reservoir Injection(SK201501)
文摘To reveal the influencing effect of the long-term straw mulching on the soil moisture, this paper employed the field experiment data in 2010 of a typical area of Taihang Mountains plain, observed the soil moisture dynamic regularities under different mulching patterns by virtue of depressimeter and neutron probe, analyzed the characteristics of soil water content and storage in different depths and seasons under the long-term straw mulching. The results showed that the long-term straw mulching can keep the soil moisture conservation of the deep, while decreased the shallow.(1) The long-term straw mulching can changed the type of soil water movement. If no straw mulching, the type is mainly evaporation-infiltration. And with straw mantle the type would change into infiltration. The number of zero flux plane would be reduced or absent.(2) The long-term straw mulching can increase the soil water reserves of the whole soil profile with the depth between 0 cm and 220 cm. But the soil water content of the layer from 30 cm to 80 cm decreased and the soil water content of the layer from 80 cm to 220 cm increased instead., The effect of soil moisture conservation on winter wheat is not obvious;(3) With no straw mulching, the depth of infiltration recharge by rainfall or irrigation is shallower than 80 cm. In a straw mulching, the influence depth is can extend to 120 cm;(4) With no straw mulching, there is a deep layer on the depth of 220 cm between March and June, while this layer will disappear with a long-term straw mulching.
基金the Special Fund for Agro-Scientific Research in the Public Interest of China (200903001)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41171181, 41101199)+2 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province, China (BK2009337, BK2011423, BK2011425, BK2011883)the Project of Enterprise Academician Workstation of Jiangsu Province, China (BM2009622)the Prospective Project of Production Education Research Cooperation of Jiangsu Province, China (BY2011195)
文摘Careful soil management is important for the soil quality and productivity improvement of the reclaimed coastal tidal flat saline land in northern Jiangsu Province, China. Farmyard manure( FYM) and mulch applications, which affect soil characteristics and plant significantly, are regard as an effective pattern of saline land improvement. As a conventional management in the study region, FYM and mulch are used for the amendment of the new reclaimed tidal flat regularly, but little is known about their effects on soil physical properties functioning. A study was conducted on a typical coastal tidal flat saline land, which was reclaimed in 2005, to evaluate the effects of FYM, polyethylene film mulch(PM), straw mulch(SM), FYM combined with PM(FYM+PM), FYM combined with SM(FYM+SM), on soil hydraulic properties and soil mechanical impedance. CK represented conventional cultivation in study area without FYM and mulch application and served as a control. The experiment, laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications, was studied in Huanghaiyuan Farm, which specialized in the agricultural utilization for coastal tidal flat. Result showed that capillary water holding capacity(CHC), saturated water content(SWC), saturated hydraulic conductivity( Ks) and bulk density(BD), cone index(CI) were affected significantly by the FYM and mulch application, especially in the 0-10 cm soil layer. FYM and mulch management increased CHC, SWC and Ks over all soil depth in the order of FYM+SM〉FYM+PM〉FYM〉SM〉PM〉CK. With the contrary sequence, BD and CI decreased significantly; however, FYM and mulch application affected BD and CI only in the upper soil layers. CHC, SWC and Ks decreased significantly with the increasing of soil depth, BD and CI, and a significant liner equation was found between CHC, SWC, Ks and BD, CI. With the highest CHC(38.15%), SWC(39.55%), Ks(6.00 mm h-1) and the lowest BD(1.26 g cm-3) and CI(2.71 MPa), the combined management of FYM and SM was recommend to be an effective method for the melioration of reclaimed coastal tidal flat saline soil.
基金financially supported by the Key Research and Development Program of Shanxi Province, China (201703D211002-5)the Open Fund of the State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Y20160019)
文摘Straw mulching allows for effective water storage in dryland wheat production. Finding a suitable straw mulching model that facilitates wheat growth was the objective of this study. A 2-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of two straw mulching patterns (FM, full coverage within all the rows; HM, half coverage within alternate rows) and two mulching rates (4.5 and 9.0 t ha^-1) on soil moisture, soil temperature, grain yield, and water use efficiency (WUE) of winter wheat in northern China, with no mulching (M0) as the control. Results showed that mulching increased the soil water storage in all growth stages under high mulching rates, with a stronger effect in later growth stages. Water storage under the HM model was greater in later stages than under the FM model. Soil water content of HM groups was higher than that of FM groups, especially in surface soil layers. Evapotranspiration decreased in mulched groups and was higher under high mulching rates. Aboveground biomass during each growth stage under the HM model was higher than that under M0 and FM models with the same mulched rate, leading to a relatively higher grain yield under the HM model. Mulching increased WUE, a trend that was more obvious under HM9.0 treatment. Warming effect of soil temperature under the HM pattern persisted longer than under the FM model with the same mulching rates. Accumulated soil temperature under mulched treatments increased, and the period of negative soil temperature decreased by 9-12 days under FM and by 10-20 days under HM. Thus, the HM pattern with 9.0 t ha^-1 mulching rate is beneficial for both soil temperature and water content management and can contribute to high yields and high WUE for wheat production in China.
基金financially supported by the Special Fund for Agro-scientific Research in the Public Interest in China(201303104 and 201503120)the earmarked fund for China Agriculture Research System(CARS-03-01-24)+1 种基金the Key Science and Technology Program of Shanxi Province,China(20140311008-3)the National Key Technology Research and Development Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(2015BAD23B04)
文摘Shortages and fluctuations in precipitation are influential limiting factors for the sustainable cultivation of rain-fed winter wheat on the Loess Plateau of China. Plastic film mulching is one of the most effective water management practices to improve soil moisture, and may be useful in the Loess Plateau for increasing soil water storage. A field experiment was conducted from July 2010 to June 2012 on the Loess Plateau to investigate the effects of mulching time and rates on soil water storage, evapotranspiration (ET), water use efficiency (WUE), and grain yield. Six treatments were conducted: (1) early mulching (starting 30 days after harvest) with whole mulching (EW); (2) early mulching with half mulching (EH); (3) early mulching with no mulching (EN); (4) late mulching (starting 60 days after harvest) with whole mulching (LW); (5) late mulching with half mulching (LH); and (6) late mulching with no mulching (LN). EW increased precipitation storage efficiency during the fallow periods of each season by 18.4 and 17.8%, respectively. EW improved soil water storage from 60 days after harvest to the booting stage and also outperformed LN by 13.8 and 20.9% in each growing season. EW also improved spike number per ha by 13.8 and 20.9% and grain yield by 11.7 and 17.4% during both years compared to LN. However, EW decreased WUE compared with LN. The overall results of this study demonstrated that EW could be a productive and efficient practice to improve wheat yield on the Loess Plateau of China.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (50569004)
文摘The relation between soil water content and the growth of cotton root was studied for the scheme of field water and cotton yield under mulched drip irrigation. Based on the field experiments, three treatments of soil water content were conducted with 90%, 75%θf, and 60%θf (θfis field water capacity). Cotton roots and root-shoot ratio were studied with digging method, and the soil moisture was observed with TDR (time domain reflector), and cotton yield was measured. The results indicated that the growth of cotton root accorded with Logistic growth curve in the three treatments, the cotton root grew quickly and its weight was very high under 75%θf because of the suitable soil water condition, while grew slowly and its weight was lower under 90%θf due to water moisture beyond the suitable condition, and the root weight was in between under 60%θf For the three water treatments, the cotton root weight decreased with soil depth, and decreased more significantly in deeper soil layer with the soil moisture increasing. And the ratio of cotton root weight in 0-30 cm soil layer to the total root weight was the highest under 75%θf. The cotton root system was distributed mainly in the soil of narrow row and wide row mulched with plastic film, and little in the soil outside plastic film. The weight of cotton root was the highest in the soil of narrow row or wide row mulched with plastic film under 75%θf. Root-shoot ratio decreased with the soil moisture increasing. The soil water content affected cotton yields, and cotton yield was the highest under 75%θf. The higher soil moisture level is unfavorable to the growth of cotton root system and yield of cotton under mulched drip irrigation.
基金Supported by Sheng Tongsheng Science and Technology Innovation Foundation of Gansu Agricultural University(GSAU-STS-1427)Open Foundation for Breeding Base of National Key Laboratory Co-founded by Gansu Province+1 种基金the Ministry of Science and Technology-Gansu Provincial Key Lab of Aridland Crop Science(GSCS-2012-14)National Natural Science Foundation of China(31560356)
文摘Soil microbial flora and influencing factors of soil microbes in soil and gravel-sand mixed layer( SGSML),roots denseness layer( RDL),eluviate layer( EL) and calcium accumulation layer( CAL) in gravel-sand mulched fields( GSMFs) with different gravel mulched years( 1,6,12,19 and 25 years) were studied. The results showed that in the composition of soil microbes in the GSMFs,the quantity of bacteria was the largest,followed by actinomycetes,while the number of fungi was the smallest. The total quantity of soil microorganisms in the GSMFs dropped rapidly with the increase of soil depth,which was related to the sudden decrease in the quantity of bacteria. The number of microbes in the RDL was larger than that in the SGSML with few roots due to the effects of root distribution. The number of bacteria and actinomycete in the growing season was larger than that in the non-growing season,while the quantity of fungi in the growing season was smaller than that in the non-growing season. The quantity of bacteria and fungi was the largest in the GSMFs which had been mulched with gravel for 6-12 years. With the increase of mulching time,the GSMFs aged gradually,so their quantity reduced gradually. The quantity of actinomycetes was the smallest in the GSMFs which had been mulched with gravel for 6-12 years and increased with the increase of mulching time. The number of soil microbes in the GSMFs had a good correlation with soil moisture content,p H and mulching time. Soil total carbon content was an important factor restricting the quantity of soil microbes in the GSMFs.
文摘Dry mulch, as soil moisture conservation techniques, is seldom practiced for growth and survival of transplanted tree seedlings in dry period in Eritrea. Field experiment was conducted at Halhale, Eritrea with Dry <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Hyparrhenia</span></i> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">rufa</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, as a mulch, on a flat basin for growth and survival of seedlings of </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Grevillea</span></i> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">robusta</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Acacia</span></i> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">polyacantha</span></i> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">subspecies</span></i><i><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Campylacantha</span></i><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">by involving</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> four </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">management practices: 1) mulching and watering basins (MW);2)</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> no-mulching but watering basins (NMW);3) mulching but no-watering basins (MNW);4) no-mulching and no-watering basins (NMNW).</span></span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The experimental design was CRD with three replications. MW and NMW were watered 180 litters (20 litters/month) but MNW and NMNW were not watered at all. Parameters such as soil moisture content of the basin, early growth performance of seedling and survival rate of the seedlings were studied. The result indicated that there were statistically significant differences (p</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">0.05) among the treatment for soil moisture content and early growth performance of the seedlings. The average volumetric water content (VWC%) on 0</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">20</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">cm soil depth at the end of dry period of MW, NMW, MNW, and NMNW were 10.08</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">%</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, 7.7</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">%</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, 6.3</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">%</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and 3.9% respectively. Mean height increment of seedlings of </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">G.</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">robusta</span></i><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">of MW (100</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">cm), NMW (83.3</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">cm), MNW (31.5</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">cm) and NMNW (9</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">cm) were recorded, while the mean height increments of seedlings of </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">A.</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">polyacantha</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> <i>subsp.</i></span><i><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Campylacantha</span></i><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">of MW (48</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">cm), NMW (25</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">cm), MNW (4.5</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">cm) and NMNW (3</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">cm) were recorded</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> The mean survival rate of </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">G.</span></i> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">robusta</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> was 91.8% of which the highest (100%) survival rate was recorded under MW, NMW and MNW, but the lowest (66.7%) was recorded by NMNW. All seedlings of </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">A.</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">polyacanth</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> <i>subsp.</i></span><i><span style="font-family:;" "=""> </span></i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Campylacantha</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> were survived, irrespective of the treatments. The study concluded that soil moisture content, early growth performance of seedlings, and survival rate of transplanted tree seedling was improved by application of mulch.</span>
文摘A field study was conducted to evaluate the effect of organic mulches and tillage practices on growth, yield of cluster bean and soil physical properties. Experiment was comprised of two factors: A (Tillage), B (Mulches). Factor A was assigned to main plot and consisted of two treatments (Minimum tillage and Conventional tillage). Factor B was assigned to sub plot and consisted of four treatments (no mulch, wheat straw mulch, grass clipping mulch and saw dust mulch). The mulching materials were partially incorporated in the field after germination of crop. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement having three replications. Control treatment was kept for comparison. All other agronomic practices were kept standardized and consistent for all the treatments. Data regarding growth and yield components were collected and analyzed statistically by fisher analysis of variance and treatment significance was measured by significant difference test at 5% probability level. The factors, tillage and mulches significantly affected growth, yield, yield parameters and soil physical properties. Maximum plant population (31.7 m<sup>2</sup>), plant height (159 cm), branches per plant (18.9), cluster per plant (15.88), grains per pod (7.3), 1000-grain weight (34.6 g), grain yield (1.9 t•ha<sup>-1</sup>), biological yield (9.91 t•ha<sup>-1</sup>) and harvest index (19.15) was recorded in conventional tillage comparative to minimum tillage. Mulches also affected grain yield, and maximum grain yield was recorded in wheat straw mulch (1.88 t•ha<sup>-1</sup>) followed by grass clipping mulch (1.81 t•ha<sup>-1</sup>) and saw dust mulch (1.76 t•ha<sup>-1</sup>) while minimum grain yield was recorded in control without mulch application (1.67 t•ha<sup>-1</sup>). Tillage and mulches interactively affect pH, soil organic matter contents, electrical conductivity and soil bulk density. Mulches and minimum tillage improved soil physical properties. Highest BCR was obtained from conventional tillage without mulch and lowest calculated from minimum tillage with saw dust application. The conclusion is that the mulching and conventional tillage improves cluster bean yield about 1%.
文摘During the 2022 growing season (August to November) at the Federal University of Technology, Minna School farm, Niger State, an experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of mulching on Okras growth, yield, and moisture content was examined across four distinct growth stages (initial, development, mid, and late) and at varying soil depths (0 - 30 cm and 30 - 60 cm). The study employed a randomised complete block design with four replications, encompassing control (T0), groundnut shells mulch (T1), black polythene mulch (T2), and white polythene mulch (T3) as treatments. The highest average Okra fresh pod yield, amounting to 23.4 t/ha, was achieved by implementing white plastic mulch, contrasting with the control treatment, which yielded the lowest at 22 t/ha. Notably, the control plots exhibited yield reductions of up to 32% compared to the plots employing white plastic mulching. The utilisation of mulch had a notable impact on the overall crop yield, with the superior quality evident in the treatment employing white plastic mulch (26 t/ha). The control treatment exhibited the lowest quality at 24.3 t/ha. Groundnut shell mulch influenced moisture conservation, but no significant variance was observed compared to the control plots. Therefore, the study suggests that polythene mulch may be the most suitable type to enhance the quality of okra production by conserving soil moisture. Among the biodegradable and non-biodegradable mulches used in this study, white polythene mulch was the most effective.
文摘To better understand the effects of direct sowing under mulch-based cropping system (DMC) in Burkina Faso’s cotton production systems, randomized blocks of Fisher experimental design were implemented at Farako-B<span style="white-space:nowrap;">a</span> research station from 2010 to 2019. The study was conducted on lixisoil to evaluate DMC effects on biomass production, crops yields and soil chemical properties in a maize and cotton rotation system associated with cover crop. Conventional tillage and direct seeding without cover crop were compared to DMC under <em>B</em>. <em>ruziziensis</em> (GERM. & EVRARD), DMC under <em>B</em>. <em>ruziziensis</em> + <em>M</em><em>.</em> <em>cochinchinensis</em> mulch and DMC under <em>C. juncea</em> (L.) mulch used in association with maize. Biomass production, crop yields and soil chemistry were evaluated. Results showed that over 10 years, no-till with or without a cover crop provided cotton seed and maize yields that were statistically equivalent to the tillage commonly practiced by farmers. Cover crop has allowed increasing the biomass production compared to Conventional Tillage and Direct Seeding. Maize yield has not varied significantly with the cover crop. After 10 years of maize and cotton rotation, the improvement raised from +27% to +38% for organic matter and from +15% to +29% for nitrogen with DMC including legumes such as <em>M. cochinchinensis</em> and <em>C. juncea</em> compared to Conventional Tillage on 0 - 5 cm depth. No significant differences were found on soil pH like P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> and K<sub>2</sub>O content. Although DMC with <em>C. juncea</em> used as cover crop did not provide the best biomass production, it contributes to increase nitrogen and organic matter and presents better mineral balances in 10 years of rotation. The 5 - 10 cm and 10 - 20 cm were little influenced by DMC systems.