Effects of straw mulching on maize photosynthetic characteristics and rhizosphere soil micro-ecological environment

Abstract

Straw mulching is an effective measure to improve soil properties, crop growth, and yield. To further understand the advantage mechanisms of straw mulching, a field experiment with seven straw mulching levels (0 to 18 000 kg ha -1 ) was conducted to study the effects of straw mulching on maize (Zea mays L.) photosynthesis and rhizosphere soil microecological environment. Results showed that maize chlorophyll content was evidently affected by straw mulching, and the highest chlorophyll content was at 12 000 kg ha -1 (M4). Straw mulching could significantly improve the photosynthetic characteristics of maize, and the difference between M4 and 0 kg ha -1 (M0) was significant. There was as trend change in soil microbe quantity; it first increased and then decreased with increasing straw mulching levels, and the most suitable straw mulching level for different types of microorganisms was 9000 kg ha -1 (M3) or M4. Straw mulching significantly enhanced soil enzyme urease, invertase, dehydrogenase, and protease activities, but when the straw mulching level reached a certain level, the effect of straw mulching was no longer apparent and even had some adverse effects at straw mulching levels higher than 15 000 kg ha -1 (M5). Yield in M4 (10 186.84 kg ha -1 ) was the highest compared with M0 (9365.12 kg ha -1 ), and yield significantly increased by 8.8%. Correlation analyses indicated that the soil microbe quantity and aforementioned enzyme activities were all significantly and positively correlated with maize chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, and yield. Findings suggest that straw mulching can apparently increase soil microbe quantity and enzyme activities and improve crop photosynthesis and yield; the M4 level is the most reasonable straw mulching level in this study under comprehensive consideration, and a straw mulching level that is too high (over M5) will have some negative effects.

Benefits of flavonoids and straw mulch application on soil microbial activity in pea rhizosphere

“…The plots with addition of straw had higher values of enzymatic activity, microbial biomass and respiration, reaching similar values to soil under native vegetation (García-Orenes et al 2010). However, straw mulch effect on enzymes activities was strongly dependent on mulching levels and some adverse effects at straw mulching higher than 15,000 kg ha -1 were observed (Zhang et al 2015). Straw mulch effect on soil enzymatic activity was also dependent on soil compaction level (Siczek and Frąc 2012).…”

Effects of straw returning on rice growth and yield under water-saving irrigation

“…It can also reduce rice effective panicles per unit area, while number of spikelets per panicle, ripening rate, and rice yield can increase (Xu et al, 2015). The appropriate amount and burial depth of SR to increase rice yield have been at approximately 9 t ha -1 and 5-8 cm, respectively (Curtin and Fraser, 2003;Zhang et al, 2015). Although there is adequate information about the effects of SR on rice growth and yield, most studies have researched its impact under flooding irrigation (FI).…”

Effect of Different Types of Mulching on Soil Properties and Tree Growth of Magnolia champaca Planted at the Montane Rainforest in Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia

“…For the chlorophyll content, several studies have reported that black plastic mulching results in a greater value of chlorophyll content than control treatment [39][40][41]. Marichamy et al [42] and Yang et al [43] reported that black plastic mulching had the highest value of chlorophyll than organic mulches and found the lowest value of the control treatment. Zhang et al [44] also reported that straw mulching significantly increased the chlorophyll content compared to no mulching.…”