Effects of Surface Mulching on the Growth and Water Consumption of Maize

This study provides understandings of the effect mulching on growth, development, and water consumption dry maize. Parameters including soil temperature, water-filled pore space (WFPS), storage capacity, consumption, grain yield, water-use efficiency, biomass yields were followed analyzed by applying straw (SM), gravel (GM), plastic film (FM). The results show that temperature (0–20 cm) throughout whole observation period (2011–2013) was significantly increased GM FM, while SM reduced temperature. WFPS, FM showed no significant effect. efficiency in early stages maize growth (from sowing to vegetative growth) compared with using GM. With progress time, fewer differences between all treatments observed. Water three order < GM, indicating most effective preventing evaporation. resulting corn also varied. Compared control, 1.7, 0.5, 2.2 ton/ha tested years, respectively. In contrast, difference 2011 2012 but yield 2013. is shown be an method for increasing studied region, not recommended, improving availability soil, its needs further explored.