Mulching helps increase potato yield and water-use efficiency in China. Plastic mulching and straw mulching both boost potato yield by around 16-24%. Plastic mulching is more effective in Northeast and Northwest China, while straw mulching works better in Southwest and South China. The benefits of mulching are higher in areas with lower temperatures and less water input. Additionally, using lower to moderate levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers enhances the effects of mulching on potato yield. Overall, mulching is a useful practice for improving potato production in China.