Abstract
Recent years have seen several significant challenges for the agriculture industry. These challenges include population growth, resource scarcity, and climate change. To improve crop yields, conserve resources, and lessen the effects of climate change, it is necessary to find efficient and sustainable agricultural practices. Plastic film mulching and the application of biochar have drawn attention recently as potential ways to increase crop productivity and soil health. To better understand the impact of these practices on crop yields, researchers have conducted meta-analyses of multiple studies in various regions. The study examined the impact of different irrigation methods, soil textures, and soil nutrient levels on the yield of various crops such as soybeans, rice, maize, wheat, and cotton. The authors analyzed a total of 58 studies to investigate the effect of drip and sprinkler irrigation on crop yields, as well as the impact of deficit irrigation, plastic film mulching, and biochar application. The findings suggest that drip irrigation had a positive effect on crop yield in relation to the climate. The authors observed a direct relationship between crop water requirements and irrigation practice. They found that while soybean yields increased at > 400 mm, rice yields significantly increased at ≤ 400 mm. The study also revealed that sprinkler irrigation was found to increase crop yields. However, drip irrigation produced higher yields, ranging from 2716.5 to 31583.6 kg ha-1. Furthermore, the study highlighted the significant impact of soil characteristics on crop yield. The effects of deficit irrigation on crops during the growing seasons were significantly influenced by the soil reaction (pH) at < 7 and at > 7, demonstrating the importance of soil nutrient levels. The significant increases in soil total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium, as well as the 25.81% decrease in soil bulk density, are likely what caused the observed trend. Additionally, the I2 test found no heterogeneity among the studies taken into account in this meta-analysis. According to the study, drip irrigation used in conjunction with plastic film and biochar can significantly boost crop yields, particularly in semiarid rain-fed regions with subtropical climates. The study offers important insights into how various irrigation methods affect crop yields under various climatic and soil conditions. The study also highlights the significance of taking into account various elements when making farming decisions to deal with water scarcity and improve irrigation water efficiency, such as soil characteristics, climate conditions, and irrigation techniques.
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The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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Zhu, J., Wang, Q., Qi, W. et al. Exploring the Potential of Biochar and Mulched Drip Irrigation with Plastic Film on Crop Yields in Water-Stressed Regions: a Global Meta-Analysis. J Soil Sci Plant Nutr 23, 2970–2980 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-023-01321-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-023-01321-4