Exploring the Influence of Planting Densities and Mulching Types on Photosynthetic Activity, Antioxidant Enzymes, and Chlorophyll Content and Their Relationship to Yield of Maize.

ABSTRACT: High-density maize cultivation can enhance yield, but water scarcity on the Loess Plateau may limit this potential. Mulching is a sustainable practice that conserves soil moisture, yet limited studies exist on the combined effects of planting densities and mulching types on maize performance in this region. Over two years, an experiment investigated the effects of mulching (no mulching (NM), plastic film mulching (PM), and straw mulching (SM)) at various densities (60,000 to 90,000 plants ha^-1). The results showed that mulching significantly improved grain yield and other metrics compared to NM. PM and SM enhanced yields notably at 75,000 plants ha^-1, while NM was more favorable at 67,500 plants ha^-1. Physiological responses varied with density, showing a d

SUBMITTER: Zhao L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11644714 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature