The researchers studied how combining pre-sowing irrigation and plastic film mulching affects spring wheat yield in a dry region of China. They tested four methods: no irrigation or mulching, irrigation only, mulching only, and both irrigation and mulching. The combination of irrigation and mulching led to the highest grain yield and water-use efficiency. This method increased soil temperature, reduced water stress, and improved plant growth and yield compared to other methods. The key factors for higher yield were spikelet number and fertile spikelet number. This approach could be beneficial for spring wheat production in dry areas.