Enhanced yields and soil quality in a wheat-maize rotation using buried straw mulch.

BACKGROUNDStraw return may improve soil quality and crop yields. In a 2-year field study, a straw return method (ditch-buried straw return, DB-SR) was used to investigate the soil quality and crop productivity effects on a wheat-corn rotation system. This study consisted of three treatments, each with three replicates: (1) mineral fertilisation alone (CK0); (2) mineral fertilisation+7500kgha(-1) wheat straw incorporated at depth of 0-15cm (NPKWS); and (3) mineral fertilisation+7500kgha(-1) wheat straw ditch buried at 15-30cm (NPKDW). RESULTSNPKWS and NPKDW enhanced crop yield and improved soil biotical properties compared to mineral fertilisation alone. NPKDW contributed to greater crop yields and soil nutrient availability at 15-30cm depths, compared to NPKWS treatment. NPKDW enhanced soil microbial activity and bacteria species richness and diversity in the 0-15cm layer. NPKWS increased soil microbial biomass, bacteria species richness and diversity at 15-30cm. CONCLUSIONSThe comparison of the CK0 and NPKWS treatments indicates that a straw ditch buried by digging to the depth of 15-30cm can improve crop yields and soil quality in a wheat-maize rotation system. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry