Short- and Long-Term Straw Mulching and Subsoiling Affect Soil Water, Photosynthesis, and Water Use of Wheat and Maize

Water shortages and rainfall variability lead to a decrease in grain yield. Straw mulching (SM), subsoiling (S), combined amendments (subsoiling + straw mulching, SS) are potential solutions for maintaining crop productivity water resource sustainability. However, short- long-term applications of these methods appear result different yield use efficiency outcomes. In this study, we, therefore, compared SM, S, SS, with control. We analyzed field experimental data wheat maize cultivation control (conventional tillage), SS treatments assess the impact on efficiency, resulting from practices. The results show that treatment led higher soil storage (SWS) other during regreening, jointing, booting stages wheat, big bellmouth filling experiments. also SWS growth stage 2015–2016 2015. Additionally, was conducive raising net photosynthetic rate (Pn) leaf (LWUE) 2015 2016. Conversely, Pn LWUE under S were ( P < 0.05) two studied years. Short-term long term 2014–2015 (ample rainfall) 2016 (low rainfall). 9625.-kg hm −2 , which highest 2 years, 17.7% increase control, followed by short-term treatment. (WUE) treatments. SM than treatments, whereas WUE still 0.05). Our findings provide evidence improve both sustainability, application resulted application.