Effects on soil temperature, moisture, and maize yield of cultivation with ridge and furrow mulching in the rainfed area of the Loess Plateau, China

Field experiments were conducted from 2008 to 2010 in the Weibei Highlands of China to determine the effects of cultivation with ridge and furrow mulching on soil temperature, moisture, and maize (Zea mays L.) growth and yield. Ridges were covered with plastic film in all the treatments. Different furrow treatments were mulched with plastic film (PE film) (PP), biodegradable film (PB), maize straw (PS), and liquid film (PL). For the control (CK), ridges were covered with plastic film and the furrows received no mulching. Compared with CK, the soil water storage and soil temperature in furrow were significantly higher with the PP and PB treatments 0–60 days after planting (DAP), evapotranspiration was significantly higher at 60–90 DAP, but significantly lower at 120–140 DAP. The PS treatment had the highest soil water storage and the lowest temperature, while evapotranspiration was significantly lower at 0–60 DAP but significantly higher at 120–140 DAP, when compared with CK. Soil water storage and temperature were slightly higher with the PL treatment during the maize-growing season when compared with CK, but there were no significant differences in evapotranspiration. The three-year mean maize yields with PP, PB, and PS were significantly increased by 13.0%, 13.8%, and 15.0%, respectively, while water use efficiency increased by 9.8%, 10.2%, and 11.6%, compared with CK. Net income and input/output was highest with PS, and the three-year average net income increased by 1888.0 Chinese yuan (CNY) ha−1, compared with the control. Soil moisture and temperature conditions were improved, while the maize yield and net income were increased, when ridges were covered with plastic film and the furrows were mulched with straw. Therefore, this treatment may be considered the most efficient for maize production in the rainfed area of the Loess Plateau, China.

► Plastic film, corn straw, biodegradable film, and liquid film were applied as mulches ridge and furrow cultivation.
► Mulching does not change seasonal water consumption, but can change water availability during critical growth stages.
► Cultivation with ridge and furrow mulching improved soil moisture availability, and promoted maize growth.
► Plastic-covered ridges and straw-covered furrow was the most efficient for maize production in the Loess Plateau, China.