Effects of different ridge-furrow mulching systems on yield and water use efficiency of summer maize in the Loess Plateau of China

Ridge-furrow film mulching has been proven to be an effective water-saving and yield-improving planting pattern in arid semi-arid regions. Drought is the main factor limiting local agricultural production Loess Plateau of China. In this study, we tried select a suitable ridge-furrow system improve situation. A two-year field experiment summer maize (Zea mays L.) during growing seasons 2017 2018 was conducted systematically analyze effects flat with no (CK), ridges furrows bare (RFM), double full (DRFFM) on soil temperature, water storage (SWS), root growth, aboveground dry matter, use efficiency (WUE), grain yield. Both RFM DRFFM significantly increased temperature ridges, while for similar that CK. The largest SWS observed DRFFM, followed by CK, significant differences among them. lower than RFM. treatment kept resulting higher after period input. Across two seasons, compared mass 10.2% 19.3% at jointing filling stages, respectively, 7.9% stage but decreased 6.0% stage. Over length stages respectively 75.4% 58.7% 20.6% 30.2% Relative stage, proportions were 42.8% 94.9% 63.2% 115.1% 76.7% 132.1% RFM, over showing slowed down growth promoted later stages. them 0–30 cm layer, layer. Compared matter it. Evapotranspiration reduced 9.8% 7.1% across seasons. Grain yield 14.3% 13.6% CK WUE non-significantly 6.8% 22.5% Thus, recommended as viable option