Enhancing crop yield and conserving soil moisture through mulching practices in dryland agriculture

Abstract

Dryland agriculture requires the efficient utilization of water resources and the implementation of water-conserving technologies. Mulching is a water conservation practice used in arid land areas to preserve soil moisture, control temperature, and minimize soil evaporation rates. Organic mulching minimizes soil deterioration, enhances organic matter, and boosts the soil’s ability to retain water. Mulching can help keep moisture in the root zone, allowing plants to receive water for extended periods. Mulching with composted yard waste led to higher soil nutrient levels, including phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and organic matter when compared to uncovered soil. Under plastic mulch, soluble nutrients such as nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), potassium (K+), and fulvic acid are released as organic matter decomposes, enhancing the soil’s nutrient availability. Mulching has several advantages for dryland agriculture, such as reducing soil water loss, soil erosion, weed growth, water droplet kinetic energy, and competition for nutrients and water with nearby fields. This review article aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of ground mulching in water conservation. This is particularly important in arid regions where agricultural sustainability is at risk due to drought, heat stress, and the inefficient use of limited water resources during the cropping season. Ground mulching is essential for minimizing surface evaporation and hence decreasing water loss. This review research thoroughly examines the advantages of organic and synthetic mulches in crop production, as well as their use in the preservation of soil and water resources.

Effects of Film Mulching on Soil Microbial Diversity and Community Structure in the Maize Root Zone under Drip Irrigation in Northwest China

“…In China, maize is the thirdlargest food crop after rice and wheat. According to statistics for 2022, China's maize planting area is about 42 million hectares, accounting for nearly 30% of the global maize planting area [2]. In semi-arid areas, mulch can significantly increase soil moisture content, improve the growth conditions of maize, and thus increase the yield of maize [3].…”

Study on soil organic carbon dynamics and its different pools in maize crop (Zea mays L.) under different agricultural practices in semiarid region of Punjab, India

“…Straw mulching can effectively decrease air pollution and also provide a strata of soil organic matter in the mulched fields (Yang et al, 2018). Straw mulching has several benefits, including lowering soil surface evaporation loss, insulating the surface from raindrop impact, im-proving soil aggregation, and fostering biological activity (Demo et al 2024). Plastic mulching is also a wellevolved technique for utilization in arid, semiarid and sub-humid agricultural zones.…”