Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

Improving agricultural mulching to reduce environmental footprint and enhance economic profit across China

Huihui Wei, Yifan Yang, Li Zhang, Z. Y. Ouyang, Matthew Tom Harrison, Ke Liu, Guojun Sun, Gary Y. Gan, Feng‐Min Li, Dong Li, Rui Wang, Bo Wang, Feng Zhang

Resources Conservation and Recycling · 2025

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Summary

This 2025 synthesis evaluates improved agricultural mulching as a practical, scalable intervention in Chinese farming systems, using quantitative modelling to assess simultaneous effects on environmental footprint and farm profitability. The work demonstrates how soil and crop management practices can balance agricultural intensification with sustainability at scale. Findings are relevant to identifying accessible, economically viable practices that support environmental and economic goals in China and similar agricultural contexts.

UK applicability

UK farming operates under different climate, soil, and regulatory conditions than China; direct agronomic applicability may be limited. However, the methodological approach to quantifying dual environmental and economic benefits of mulching practices could inform UK agri-environment policy and farm advisory guidance, particularly in regions where soil water retention and farm viability are joint priorities.

Key measures

Environmental footprint metrics (likely carbon, water, or resource use); farm economic profitability; mulching practice variables across regional or crop contexts

Outcomes reported

The study quantifies environmental footprint (as suggested by title) and farm profitability impacts of improved agricultural mulching practices across Chinese farming systems. Economic and environmental trade-offs or synergies are evaluated to support dual-benefit farm management decisions.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Arable cropping systems
Study type
Research
Study design
Quantitative modelling / synthesis
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
China
System type
Mixed farming
DOI
10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108393
Catalogue ID
SNmov0f8sf-0q0bk8

Topic tags

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