Crop yield increasing and efficiency improving effects and development of technology of ridge-furrow cultivation with plastic film mulching

The shortage of water resources in northern China limits the sustainable development of agriculture. The crop cultivation technique of ridge-furrow with plastic film mulching can significantly increase the yield and water-use efficiency. This paper reviewed the development and current situation of technology of ridge-furrow cultivation with plastic film mulching, discussed its effects on the yield of several major crops and its mechanisms, and proposed the future development. It was expected to promote the further development of the technology and provide reference for the relevant researches. In the technique of ridge-furrow cultivation with plastic film mulching, a ridge is created, then covered with plastic film; crops are planted between the ridges. The advantages of this technique promote its application, which are:1) it improves the effectiveness of soil water. Film mulching over the ridge inhibits surface evaporation and increases soil water content by collecting rain water and condensation of soil water. 2) It regulates the ground temperature. Ridge mulching increases soil temperature, especially at the crop seedling stage, increasing emergence and seedling rates; it also decreases soil temperature during high temperature period, promoting crop growth and development. 3) It improves soil physical and chemical properties, improves soil structure, adjusts soil enzyme activity, and provides a good soil environment for crop growth. However, the mulching film cultivation mode also has certain deficiencies:1) the development and promotion of the ridge laminating machine is relatively backward. 2) Mulch film creates pollution; this is becoming an increasingly serious problem, and it is laborious to reverse. 3) The technical specifications of ridge mulching technology lack specific standards. The future development directions of the ridge-furrow cultivation with plastic film mulching mode in North China are as follows:1) improving the agricultural machinery needed to implement this technique; 2) applying a new harmless film; and 3) constructing different crop technical regulations. An in-depth study of the basis of high-efficiency water-saving agricultural cultivation techniques, further research and development of new technologies for agricultural planting methods, and full use of water resources are all necessary for the future.