Mulching boosts corn yield and soil health in Loess Plateau.
Different types of mulching were studied to see how they affect corn yield and soil quality in Loess Plateau. The results showed that mulching can significantly increase corn yield and improve soil water content. Water osmosis plastic film was the most effective, increasing yield by up to 29.1% and improving water use efficiency. Straw mulching also increased soil organic matter and fertility. Mulching helps keep soil moist, reduces temperature differences, and protects soil structure. However, long-term mulching with water osmosis plastic film may lead to excessive mineralization of soil organic nitrogen and leaching of nitrate nitrogen.