Chloe Zhang
Maize is a staple food in many parts of the world, with more maize produced annually than any other grain. However, maize is susceptible to droughts and intolerant of nutrient-deficient soils, and has a short-day photoperiodism, requiring nights of a certain length to flower. To mitigate these challenges, some farmers grow maize under plastic, a method that increases topsoil temperature and moisture content, encouraging rapid root development.
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What You'll Learn
Plastic increases soil temperature and moisture content
Maize is a staple food in many parts of the world, but it is susceptible to droughts, intolerant of nutrient-deficient soils, and prone to being uprooted by severe winds. In rainfed areas of northwestern China, maize production is constrained by low temperatures during early growth and water limitation throughout the growing season. To mitigate these issues, farmers often use plastic film mulching to increase topsoil temperature and moisture content.
Plastic film mulching is a technique where a photodegradable polythene film is laid on the soil surface before planting maize seeds. This film acts as a mulching agent, helping to conserve soil moisture and increase the temperature of the soil. In Ireland, this method is used on approximately 30% of the land dedicated to maize cultivation.
The plastic film effectively locks in moisture, creating an ideal environment for the seeds to germinate and grow. This method increases the availability of phosphorus in the soil, promoting rapid root development. Additionally, the plastic film enables earlier planting, usually by the end of March, as the soil temperature can be raised by up to 5°C.
The benefits of plastic film mulching extend beyond temperature and moisture control. It encourages the growth of larger cobs, leading to an increase in starch content. The larger leaf area of the maize plants allows for more effective sunlight conversion into sugar, resulting in higher energy forage. All these factors contribute to an overall increase in yield, with some studies reporting a 10-fold increase in root mass and a boost of 2 tonnes per hectare of dry matter.
While plastic film mulching offers significant advantages, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks. For instance, maize grown under plastic is more susceptible to weeds, necessitating the use of herbicides during the sowing process. Additionally, the cost of the plastic and its degradability are essential factors to take into account when deciding whether to employ this method.
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Maize grown under plastic can be planted earlier
The specific date of planting maize under plastic depends on various factors, including the variety of maize, the local climate, and the specific goals of the farmer. For example, the Benica variety of maize is typically planted under plastic at the end of March, while the Justina variety is planted under plastic at the beginning of May.
The technique of growing maize under plastic, also known as plastic film mulching, involves laying sheets of photodegradable polythene film on the soil surface and then sowing the seeds. This method increases the yield of maize by an average of 3.5 tonnes per hectare and advances the harvest date by two to three weeks.
By planting maize under plastic earlier in the season, farmers can take advantage of the warmer soil temperatures and increased moisture retention provided by the plastic. This allows the maize to establish stronger root systems and get a head start on growth, resulting in earlier and potentially larger harvests.
Additionally, the use of plastic film mulching has been found to increase photosynthesis and respiration in maize plants, contributing to increased grain yield and biomass production. The plastic film also protects the young maize plants from pests and diseases that commonly affect them during the early stages of growth. Overall, growing maize under plastic can be a beneficial strategy for farmers looking to optimize their crop yields and manage their workload during the busy summer months.
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Plastic increases root growth and leaf anatomy
Maize is grown under plastic to increase soil temperature and moisture content, which promotes faster germination and growth. This practice is particularly beneficial in regions with low temperatures and water limitations, such as northwestern China.
Plastic film mulching, a technique employed in maize cultivation, has been found to positively influence root growth and leaf anatomy. A two-year field experiment conducted on the Loess Plateau in China in 2017 and 2018 revealed that plastic film mulching increased root dry weight and length in the 0–20 cm soil layer, contributing to enhanced root activity at maturity.
The plastic covering creates a warmer and more humid microclimate, stimulating root development and increasing the availability of essential nutrients like phosphorus. This, in turn, leads to a stronger and more extensive root system, which improves the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
Additionally, plastic film mulching influences leaf anatomy by increasing leaf stomatal density and aperture. Stomata are tiny pores on the leaf surface that facilitate gas exchange, allowing carbon dioxide to enter the plant for photosynthesis and releasing oxygen and water vapor. By increasing the density and aperture of these stomata, the plastic covering promotes enhanced gas exchange, which contributes to increased photosynthesis and, ultimately, higher yields.
The combination of increased root growth and improved leaf anatomy results in a more robust and productive maize plant. This not only leads to higher yields but also contributes to the plant's resilience against environmental stresses, such as drought and nutrient deficiencies. Thus, the use of plastic in maize cultivation is a strategic approach to enhance crop performance and mitigate the challenges posed by adverse growing conditions.
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Maize grown under plastic encourages weed growth
Maize is grown under plastic to increase soil temperature and moisture content, and water use efficiency. The plastic film laid down as the crop is drilled creates a microclimate that encourages seed germination and plant growth. However, this can also create an ideal microclimate for weeds to grow.
The plastic covering produces a greenhouse effect, trapping heat and moisture. This encourages germination and growth, but if not properly managed, it can also encourage weeds. One source notes that "maize grown under plastic also encourages weeds to grow, so weed control must be achieved by herbicide application at the time of sowing to prevent weeds from germinating".
Weed control is, therefore, a critical consideration when growing maize under plastic. The application of herbicides is essential to prevent weeds from germinating and competing with the crop. One source emphasizes the importance of complete weed control before planting, as there may be no post-emergence option for weed management once the plastic is in place.
The use of herbicides such as Calaris, a maize herbicide, has been found effective in controlling weeds when maize is grown under degradable plastic. Calaris, in combination with other herbicides and adjuvants, has been shown to boost control of various weed types, ensuring that the crop is not negatively impacted by weed growth.
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Plastic acts as insurance against bad growing conditions
Maize grown under plastic has a range of benefits, but one of the most important is that it acts as insurance against bad growing conditions. Maize is susceptible to a range of pests and diseases, and its growth is heavily impacted by low temperatures and water shortages. By using plastic, farmers can mitigate these issues and increase their chances of a successful yield.
Maize relies on humans for its propagation, and it is a staple food in many parts of the world. As such, it is important to maximise yields and ensure the crop's success. Maize is susceptible to pests such as wireworm, slugs, leather jackets, and frit-fly, and it can also suffer from a range of fungal diseases. By growing maize under plastic, farmers can help protect the crop from these issues.
One of the main benefits of growing maize under plastic is that it increases the temperature of the topsoil. Maize requires warm, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5–7.0, and it will not tolerate frost. By increasing the soil temperature, plastic allows farmers to plant maize earlier in the year and provides the ideal conditions for germination. This is especially beneficial in regions with short growing seasons or unpredictable weather.
Additionally, plastic film mulching helps to conserve soil moisture, which is crucial for maize growth. In areas with water limitations, such as northwestern China, plastic film mulching has been shown to increase maize yield by improving water use efficiency. This technique ensures that the crop has access to sufficient moisture throughout its growth, even during dry periods.
Plastic also offers some protection against wind damage. Maize has shallow roots, making it prone to being uprooted by severe winds. While plastic film alone may not provide complete protection against strong winds, it can help retain moisture and improve root development, indirectly contributing to a stronger root system that may be more resistant to wind damage.
Overall, growing maize under plastic provides a level of insurance against unfavourable growing conditions. It helps protect the crop from pests, diseases, low temperatures, water shortages, and, to some extent, wind damage. By utilising plastic, farmers can increase their chances of a successful yield and ensure the crop's viability in challenging environments.
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Frequently asked questions
Maize is grown under plastic to increase soil temperature and moisture, which encourages rapid root development. Plastic film mulching also increases the availability of phosphorus, increases photosynthesis and respiration, and protects the crop from the elements.
Advantages of growing maize under plastic include increased yields, an earlier harvest date, and increased starch content.
One disadvantage of growing maize under plastic is that it encourages weeds to grow, so herbicides must be used at the time of sowing. Another disadvantage is the cost of the plastic.
