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

Summary

This field study compared short- and long-term applications of straw mulching, subsoiling, and combined straw mulching with subsoiling treatments on wheat and maize productivity and water use efficiency in water-limited conditions. Combined subsoiling and straw mulching (SS) treatment consistently enhanced soil water storage across critical growth stages and improved photosynthetic performance and water use efficiency, with variable yield responses depending on rainfall patterns and treatment duration. Long-term subsoiling alone produced the highest wheat yield (9625 kg/hm², a 17.7% increase over control) in one year, whilst combined SS treatment achieved the highest long-term water use efficiency.

UK applicability

These findings are moderately applicable to UK arable systems, particularly in drier eastern regions and during drought years, though the study was conducted in a more water-limited climate. UK farmers may find value in the combined approach for improving water retention and photosynthetic efficiency, though benefits would likely be context-dependent and require adaptation to UK rainfall patterns and soil types.

Key measures

Soil water storage (SWS), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), leaf water use efficiency (LWUE), grain yield (kg/hm²), water use efficiency (WUE)

Outcomes reported

The study measured soil water storage, net photosynthetic rate, leaf water use efficiency, grain yield, and water use efficiency of wheat and maize under different soil management treatments (straw mulching, subsoiling, and combined approaches) applied over short and long terms.

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