Effects of Different Mulch Types on Farmland Soil Moisture in an Artificial Oasis Area

Linlin Ye, Yuanxiao Xu, Guofeng Zhu (), Wenhao Zhang and Yinying Jiao
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Linlin Ye: College of Geography and Environment Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Yuanxiao Xu: College of Geography and Environment Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Guofeng Zhu: College of Geography and Environment Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Wenhao Zhang: College of Geography and Environment Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Yinying Jiao: College of Geography and Environment Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China

Land, 2023, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-17

Abstract: Different types of mulch are often used in agricultural production to enhance soil moisture and improve crop yields. The question of which mulch provides superior water retention in arid regions, where water resources are scarce, is a major concern for agricultural production. We conducted observations and studies at a typical irrigated experimental station in an arid zone with four types of mulch, including liquid mulch (LM), biodegradable mulch (BM), ordinary black mulch (OBM), and ordinary white mulch (OWM), and plots with no mulch. Samples were collected and analyzed at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after each rainfall or irrigation to obtain soil moisture changes and to analyze the effect of different mulches on soil moisture retention. The results showed that mulch cover was effective in retaining soil moisture compared to plots without mulch cover. Specifically, soil moisture was highest in the farmland with OWM during the observation period. OWM, OBM, and BM were all effective in reducing soil water evaporation and maintaining soil moisture. LM and BM were capable of utilizing rainfall to recharge soil water in a superior way, and polyethylene mulches (OBM and OWM) had a significant barrier impact on rainfall.

Keywords: arid area; maize field; mulch; irrigation; soil moisture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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