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The Effects of Biodegradable Mulch Film on the Growth, Yield, and Water Use Efficiency of Cotton and Maize in an Arid Region

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  • Lu Deng

    (State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
    The Institute of Economic Research of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Development and Reform Commission, Urumqi 830000, China)

  • Yang Yu

    (State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China)

  • Haiyan Zhang

    (State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China)

  • Qian Wang

    (State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China)

  • Ruide Yu

    (State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
    School of Environment and Material Science, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China)

Abstract

Plastic residual film pollution in China is severe, and the use of degradable mulch film instead of plastic mulch can effectively alleviate this situation. The substitution of common polyethylene plastic mulch film with biodegradable mulch film in the agricultural production of cotton and maize in an arid region was investigated in the present study. Using bare soil as the control, we compared the effects of common polyethylene plastic film and biodegradable mulch film on crop growth, yield, and water use efficiency (WUE) in maize and cotton. The results indicated that: (1) the biodegradable mulch film in this region remained intact for 60 days after being laid down, significantly degrading after 120 days, and was associated with increased soil temperature, moisture conservation, and degradability in comparison to a bare soil control; (2) Both the biodegradable mulch film and the polyethylene plastic film significantly increased various physiological parameters, such as crop height, stalk diameter, and leaf area; (3) The biodegradable mulch film had a significant effect on crop yield by 69.4–76.2% and 65.2–71.9%, respectively, compared to the bare soil control. (4) Compared to the bare soil control, the biodegradable mulch film effectively increased WUE in the crops by 64.5–73.1%. In summary, biodegradable mulch film had comparable results to the common polyethylene plastic film in increasing crop growth, yield, and WUE. As the biodegradable mulch film causes no residual pollution, it is thus preferable to common plastic mulch film for agricultural applications in arid regions and supports the sustainable development of agroecosystems. Therefore, the use of degradable mulch films in agricultural production is more environmentally friendly and more conducive to the sustainable development of agricultural systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Lu Deng & Yang Yu & Haiyan Zhang & Qian Wang & Ruide Yu, 2019. "The Effects of Biodegradable Mulch Film on the Growth, Yield, and Water Use Efficiency of Cotton and Maize in an Arid Region," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(24), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:24:p:7039-:d:295892
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    1. Bu, Ling-duo & Liu, Jian-liang & Zhu, Lin & Luo, Sha-sha & Chen, Xin-ping & Li, Shi-qing & Lee Hill, Robert & Zhao, Ying, 2013. "The effects of mulching on maize growth, yield and water use in a semi-arid region," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 123(C), pages 71-78.
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    1. Yao-Tang Hsu & Wen-Hsin Wang & Wei-Hsi Hung, 2020. "Evaluating the Properties of a Coating Material with Polycaprolactone-Degradable Fluorinated Silicon-Containing Waterborne Polyurethane," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-15, May.
    2. Zong, Rui & Wang, Zhenhua & Zhang, Jinzhu & Li, Wenhao, 2021. "The response of photosynthetic capacity and yield of cotton to various mulching practices under drip irrigation in Northwest China," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 249(C).
    3. Wang, Tianyu & Wang, Zhenhua & Guo, Li & Zhang, Jinzhu & Li, Wenhao & He, Huaijie & Zong, Rui & Wang, Dongwang & Jia, Zhecheng & Wen, Yue, 2021. "Experiences and challenges of agricultural development in an artificial oasis: A review," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 193(C).
    4. Zhiwen Song & Lei Zhao & Junguo Bi & Qingyun Tang & Guodong Wang & Yuxiang Li, 2024. "Classification of Degradable Mulch Films and Their Promotional Effects and Limitations on Agricultural Production," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-19, July.
    5. Anwar Abduwaiti & Xiaowei Liu & Changrong Yan & Yinghao Xue & Tuo Jin & Hongqi Wu & Pengcheng He & Zhe Bao & Qin Liu, 2021. "Testing Biodegradable Films as Alternatives to Plastic-Film Mulching for Enhancing the Yield and Economic Benefits of Processed Tomato in Xinjiang Region," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-13, March.
    6. Liang, Yonghui & Wen, Yue & Meng, Yu & Li, Haiqiang & Song, Libing & Zhang, Jinzhu & Ma, Zhanli & Han, Yue & Wang, Zhenhua, 2024. "Effects of biodegradable film types and drip irrigation amounts on maize growth and field carbon sequestration in arid northwest China," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 299(C).
    7. Liyuan Bo & Xiaomin Mao & Yali Wang, 2022. "Assessing the Applicability of Biodegradable Film Mulching in Northwest China Based on Comprehensive Benefits Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-23, August.

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