Study on the impact of plastic mulch on selected crop agroecosystems in Yunna Province, People's Republic of China
1994
Yonghe, Z.
The results of the study revealed that under different cropping systems, plastic mulch significantly raised the soil temperature and soil water content remained stable. The soils were also observed to be loose, friable and well-aerated condition. Microbial activity was also enhanced. Quick-effective N, P, K, and other soil nutrients were released quickly. Subsequently, crops grew fast with high yields. Plastic mulch significantly improved corn yield, especially in the area with high elevation. It also improved the yield and quality of tobacco, vegetables and rice. Weeds and some insects were effectively controlled by mulch. Soil salt accumulation, soil erosion, labor force input, irrigation water were all reduced. Plastic mulch increased the effective areas for crop production and subsequently the total production that helped improved farmers' farm income. Due to this direct benefits, the farmers became more active in participating training programs and other community activities. Plastic mulch also caused such environmental problems as the drop of soil fertility and plastic residues in the soil. The drop of soil fertility had been compensated by increasing manure and chemical fertilizers. It was found out that the plastic residues in the soil do not have serious impacts yet on the yields of crops but have some negative impacts in the soil properties, such as bulk density and porosity. The proper waste plastic disposal means can mitigate or eliminate the negative impact of waste plastic residues remaining in soil on the growth of crops and soil properties
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