The researchers studied how different ways of covering the soil with materials like plastic or straw can help maize plants grow better and produce more corn. They tested two types of maize and found that using plastic film or straw with super absorbent polymers can increase the weight of stems and leaves, leading to higher yields of corn. The best results were seen with plastic film mulching and straw mulching methods. Overall, these mulching techniques can help maize plants cope with drought and improve their productivity.