A method for increasing density planting in semi-arid areas by using straw mulch, reducing tillage, and integrating water and fertilizer.

Abstract

A method for denser corn planting in semi-arid areas using full straw mulch, reduced tillage, and integrated water and fertilizer management, belonging to the field of corn planting technology. At harvest, whole straw stalks are laid along the rows to cover the ground until spring sowing. 3-5 days before sowing, straw strips are shredded and grouped into rows, forming alternating planting and mulch strips. After tilling the land for the planting strips, two large rows of corn are planted on both sides, with two smaller rows interleaved in each large row. The spacing within the large rows is H1, and the outermost row spacing of the corn on both sides of the straw mulch strip is H2, where H2 = 2H1. The spacing between the two smaller rows is 12cm, and the outermost row of the planting strip is 3cm from the mulch strip. Drip irrigation tape is laid between the two smaller rows. The minimum plant spacing is 15cm. Herbicides are sprayed on the planting rows after sowing. During the 8-10 leaf stage of the corn, chemical control of plant height is applied, along with integrated water and fertilizer management. Crop rotation is implemented the following year, forming a four-row dense planting pattern with staggered straw mulch. Increase planting density and leverage the advantages of integrated water and fertilizer management to achieve high-density, high-yield conservation tillage through integrated water and fertilizer management.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of agricultural machinery technology, and in particular relates to a method for increasing planting density in semi-arid areas by using straw mulch, reducing tillage, and integrating water and fertilizer. Background Technology

[0002] Straw mulching and returning to the field is the core of conservation tillage technology in black soil. However, the planting row spacing in spring maize planting areas is generally small, usually less than 50cm, which poses a great challenge to the mechanized application of full straw mulching and returning to the field. The inventor of this application has applied for an invention patent in 2020, "A Method for Two-Way Hollow Planting of Maize with Staggered Straw Return to the Field" (2020111863630), which demonstrates advantages such as moisture retention and erosion prevention during the fallow season, post-sowing water and heat synergy, enhanced rainfall infiltration and water retention in farmland, carbon sequestration and fertilization, and stable and efficient yield under rain-fed conditions. Through inter-year rotation of planting strips and fallow strips, the yield per unit area of ​​maize and soil fertility improvement are synergistically enhanced.

[0003] Achieving increased yield and efficiency is the primary goal of maize cultivation, and increasing planting density is the most direct and effective measure to increase yield. However, drought limits the increase in maize planting density, especially in the western part of Northeast China, which is rich in light and heat resources. Water has become a limiting factor for increasing maize yield. However, some irrigated agriculture exists in this region, and developing conservation tillage with integrated water and fertilizer technology is the primary measure for sustainable and high-yield agriculture in the region. However, under the existing conservation tillage two-way planting method, the maximum planting density of maize per acre is 6,000 plants (60cm-120cm) or 7,200 plants (50cm-100cm), respectively, with the maximum plant spacing of maize calculated at 12.30cm. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a method for denser planting in semi-arid areas using full straw mulch and integrated water and fertilizer management, focusing on maximizing the yield potential of corn conservation tillage under irrigation conditions. This invention leverages the ventilation and light penetration advantages of open-crop planting, employing a "double-row doubling planting + integrated water and fertilizer management" approach to increase planting density. This fully utilizes the advantages of integrated water and fertilizer management, achieving multiple objectives: straw erosion prevention and water retention during the fallow season, staggered straw mulch for synergistic water and heat management during the planting season, double-row planting for increased density, coordinated water and fertilizer management during the growing season, and compatibility with existing harvesting equipment. This creates a high-yield, denser conservation tillage technology model using integrated water and fertilizer management.

[0005] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] A method for increasing planting density in semi-arid areas through full straw mulching, reduced tillage, and integrated water and fertilizer management, characterized by the following steps:

[0007] (1) Straw treatment

[0008] When harvesting corn, at the same time as harvesting the corn ears, the whole stalks are covered on the ground along the rows until before spring sowing to prevent erosion and retain moisture.

[0009] (2) Strip straw crushing

[0010] Thirty to five days before corn sowing, straw is shredded. The straw in the mulch area is shredded at intervals. The width of the shredded straw strips used for planting corn is 80cm, and the width of the whole straw mulch strips (L3) is 70cm. While shredding the straw, the shredded straw is also incorporated into the whole straw mulch strips to serve as the mulch strips for the current season, forming an alternating arrangement of 80cm wide strips to be sown and 70cm wide straw mulch strips.

[0011] (3) Reduced tillage

[0012] Tillage and prepare the land for the strips to be sown. The width of the operation is 80cm. The operation method is rotary tillage or harrowing. The tillage depth is no more than 15cm. Light compaction is carried out at the same time as tillage and preparation to bring the land to the ready-to-sow state.

[0013] (4) Sowing

[0014] Two large rows of corn are planted on each side of the strip to be planted, and two small rows of corn are planted alternately in each large row, for a total of 4 rows of corn. The spacing H1 between the large rows is 50-60cm, the spacing h1 between the two small rows is 12cm, the spacing H2 between the outermost rows of corn on both sides of the straw covering strip is 100-120cm, H2 = 2H1, and the corn planting strip is 3cm away from the straw covering strip on both sides, forming a two-way air pattern of H1-H2. Drip irrigation tape is laid in the middle of the two small row spacing.

[0015] (5) Plant spacing

[0016] For denser planting, in the four rows to be planted in strips, the inner row spacing H1 of the two large rows and the plant spacing L are 12.3-15cm, and the outer row spacing of the two large rows is H1+2h1.

[0017] (6) Precision control of weeds

[0018] After sowing, herbicides are sprayed on the planting rows that are not covered with straw, and soil sealing treatment is carried out before the weeds germinate;

[0019] (7) Chemical control to prevent collapse

[0020] When corn grows to the 8-10 leaf stage, spray plant growth regulators to control the plant height, lower the ear position, and prevent lodging.

[0021] (8) Water and fertilizer management

[0022] Adjust water and fertilizer management based on actual planting density, fertilization level and yield target. If there is frequent rain, apply chemical fertilizer manually or spray foliar fertilizer to prevent nutrient deficiency in the later stages of corn growth.

[0023] (9) Other field management

[0024] Other field management practices are the same as those for local large fields;

[0025] (10) Crop rotation the following year

[0026] The following year, two large rows of corn were planted within the previous year's covering strip, with two smaller rows planted in each large row, for a total of four rows of corn. The outermost row of the planting strip was positioned 1 cm away from the outermost row of the previous year's corn planting, forming the same H1-H2 two-to-two spacing pattern of four densely planted straw staggered arrangement as the previous year.

[0027] Furthermore, when weeding after corn seedlings emerge, the focus should be on removing weeds in the cover rows.

[0028] Furthermore, H1 is 50cm, H2 is 100cm, and the sowing density is 11,800-14,400 plants per mu.

[0029] Furthermore, H1 is 60cm, H2 is 120cm, and the sowing density is 9800-12000 plants per mu.

[0030] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0031] 1. In this invention, each planting strip under the two-way planting method adopts double-row sowing, that is, each planting strip is configured with 4 rows. Drip irrigation facilities are laid between every two small rows to achieve high-density cultivation under the two-way planting method. The maximum sowing density can reach 12,000 plants (60cm-120cm) or 14,400 plants (50cm-100cm) per mu under mechanized conditions. By coordinating the full supply of water and fertilizer, the yield potential after the increase in density is tapped, and the light and heat resources of arid and semi-arid areas are fully utilized to create a model for the coordinated improvement of farmland protection and yield in areas with harsh ecological environments.

[0032] 2. The technical parameters specified in this invention all meet the requirements of current conservation tillage and reduced tillage operations. Planting two small rows of plants alternately increases their ventilation performance, enabling fully mechanized cultivation and solving the problem of further densification under two-way open planting.

[0033] 3. This invention is equipped with one water and fertilizer management facility for every two rows to meet the water and fertilizer supply under the condition of increased density; the planting and cultivation methods of each ecological area can be appropriately adjusted on this basis, and it has universality.

[0034] 4. Combining straw mulching with conservation tillage and integrated water and fertilizer management, while protecting arable land, improves water and fertilizer utilization efficiency and taps regional production potential through drip irrigation and integrated water and fertilizer management. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the two-way planting mode of the present invention.

[0036] In the picture: 1. Seed, 2. Drip irrigation tape, 3. Drip irrigation main pipe, 4. Planting strip, 5. Covering strip. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0038] Example 1: As Figure 1 As shown, the present invention discloses a method for increasing density planting in semi-arid areas through full straw mulching, reduced tillage, and integrated water and fertilizer management, comprising the following steps:

[0039] (1) Straw treatment

[0040] When harvesting corn, at the same time as harvesting the corn ears, the whole stalks are covered on the ground along the rows until before spring sowing to prevent erosion and retain moisture.

[0041] (2) Strip straw crushing

[0042] Thirty to five days before corn sowing, straw is shredded. The straw in the mulch area is shredded at intervals. The width of the shredded straw strips used for planting corn is 80cm, and the width of the whole straw mulch strips (L3) is 70cm. While shredding the straw, the shredded straw is also incorporated into the whole straw mulch strips to serve as the mulch strips for the current season, forming an alternating arrangement of 80cm wide strips to be sown and 70cm wide straw mulch strips.

[0043] (3) Reduced tillage

[0044] Tillage and prepare the land for the strips to be sown. The width of the operation is 80cm. The operation method is rotary tillage or harrowing. The tillage depth is no more than 15cm. Light compaction is carried out at the same time as tillage and preparation to bring the land to the ready-to-sow state.

[0045] (4) Sowing

[0046] Two large rows of corn are planted on each side of the strip to be planted, and two small rows of corn are planted in each large row. The two small rows are planted alternately, for a total of 4 rows of corn. The spacing between the large rows is H1 50cm, and the spacing between the two small rows is h1 12cm. The spacing between the outermost rows of corn on both sides of the straw-covered strip is H2 100cm, and the spacing between the innermost rows is H3 76cm. The corn planting strip is 3cm away from the straw-covered strips on both sides, forming a two-way air pattern of H1 50cm-H2 100cm. Drip irrigation tape is laid in the middle of the two small row spacing.

[0047] (5) Plant spacing

[0048] For denser planting, in the four rows of strips to be planted, the inner row spacing H1 of the two large rows and the outer row spacing H1+2h1 of the two large rows are 74cm, and the plant spacing L is 12.3-15cm. When the plant spacing L is 12.3cm, the maximum planting density is 14,400 plants per mu; when the plant spacing L is 15cm, the maximum planting density is 11,800 plants per mu.

[0049] (6) Precision control of weeds

[0050] After sowing, spray amide herbicides on the uncovered planting rows and perform soil sealing treatment before weeds germinate; after corn seedlings emerge, when performing post-emergence weeding, focus on killing weeds in the covered rows.

[0051] (7) Chemical control to prevent collapse

[0052] When the corn grows to the 8-10 leaf stage (in this case, to the 9 leaf stage), a plant growth regulator is sprayed to control the plant height, lower the ear position, and prevent lodging. In actual operation, the plant growth regulator should be applied according to the instructions based on the type selected. Especially for high-density planting, it is best to carry out two chemical height control treatments to reduce the risk of lodging.

[0053] (8) Water and fertilizer management

[0054] Based on the actual planting density, fertilization level and yield target, adjust the water and fertilizer management. If there is frequent rain, apply chemical fertilizer manually or spray foliar fertilizer in time to prevent nutrient deficiency in the later stage of corn growth.

[0055] (9) Other field management

[0056] Other field management practices are the same as those for local large fields;

[0057] (10) Crop rotation the following year

[0058] The following year, two large rows of corn were planted within the previous year's cover strip, with two smaller rows planted in each large row, for a total of four rows of corn. The outermost row of the planting strip was positioned 1 cm away from the outermost row of the previous year's corn planting, forming the same four-row dense planting pattern with staggered straw spacing, where H1 is 50 cm and H2 is 100 cm, just like the previous year.

[0059] The plants are planted in staggered rows, and water and fertilizer are managed through drip irrigation tape added between the rows to meet the water and fertilizer supply requirements under the increased density conditions.

[0060] Example 2: This example differs from Example 1 in that the sowing steps in this example are as follows:

[0061] Two large rows of corn are planted on each side of the planting strip, with two smaller rows planted in each large row, for a total of four rows. The spacing between the large rows (H1) is 60cm, and the spacing between the two smaller rows (h1) is 12cm. The outermost row spacing (H2) on both sides of the straw-covered strip is 120cm, and the innermost row spacing (H3) is 96cm. The corn planting strip is 3cm away from both sides of the straw-covered strip, forming a two-way spacing pattern of H1 60cm - H2 120cm. Drip irrigation tape is laid between the two smaller rows. In this example, the plant spacing (L) is 12.3-15cm. When the plant spacing (L) is 12.3cm, the maximum planting density is 12,000 plants per acre; when the plant spacing (L) is 15cm, the maximum planting density is 9,800 plants per acre.

[0062] In the process of chemical control to prevent lodging, when the corn grows to the 8-leaf stage, plant growth regulators are sprayed to control the plant height, lower the ear position, and prevent lodging. In actual operation, the plant growth regulator should be applied according to the instructions based on the type selected. Especially for high-density planting, it is best to carry out chemical height control twice to reduce the risk of lodging.

[0063] Through two consecutive years of trials in western Liaoning, this invention has achieved the following results:

[0064] (1) Increase planting density

[0065] The plant spacing for ordinary 50-100cm two-row open planting is 12.3-15cm, with a planting density of 5900-7200 plants per mu (approximately 0.067 hectares). After double-row densification using this invention, the planting density is 11800-14400 plants per mu. The plant spacing for ordinary 60-120cm two-row open planting is 12.3-15cm, with a planting density of 4900-6000 plants per mu. After double-row densification using this invention, the planting density is 9800-12000 plants per mu. Therefore, by utilizing the ventilation and light penetration advantages of two-row open planting, increasing the planting density does not affect the growth of corn, eliminates competition among plants, and initially realizes mechanized planting.

[0066] (2) Improved the uniformity of corn growth

[0067] Under the integrated water and fertilizer management, the coefficients of variation for ear height and plant height of each plant were higher than those of traditional planting, and the coefficients of variation were 3-4 percentage points lower than those of traditional planting, indicating that the uniformity of corn growth was improved. At the same time, under the action of plant growth regulators, the difference in plant height between corn and traditional cultivation was not significant, indicating that no excessive growth occurred under high-density conditions.

[0068] Table 1. Effects of different treatments on maize plant height and ear height (2023)

[0069]

[0070] (3) Significantly increased corn yield

[0071] Small-scale trials revealed that the average yield of maize under the intensive planting and fertigation treatment reached 1241.12 kg / mu, a 42.41% increase compared to traditional farming. However, this treatment increased the cost of production materials such as seeds, fertilizer drip irrigation tape, plant growth regulators, and pest and disease control, adding 455 yuan per mu to the input. Given that the market price of maize that year was 2.20 yuan / kg, the economic benefits of the intensive planting and fertigation treatment were 21.83% higher than traditional farming. Therefore, in areas with irrigation conditions, the intensive planting and fertigation technology model can be developed, which can not only ensure grain yield but also improve economic returns.

[0072] deal with Corn yield (kg / mu) Cost of production materials (yuan / mu) Economic benefits (yuan / mu) Water and fertilizer integrated dense planting 1241.12±124.13 732 1998.46 Traditional farming 771.53±96.47 277 1640.37

[0073] Components not described in detail in this application are all existing conventional technologies and will not be described further here.

[0074] It is understood that the above specific description of the present invention is only for illustrating the present invention and is not limited to the technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the present invention to achieve the same technical effect; as long as the use needs are met, they are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for increasing planting density in semi-arid areas by using straw mulch, reducing tillage, and integrating water and fertilizer, characterized by: Includes the following steps: (1) Straw treatment When harvesting corn, at the same time as harvesting the corn ears, the whole stalks are covered on the ground along the rows until before spring sowing to prevent erosion and retain moisture. (2) Strip straw crushing Thirty to five days before corn sowing, straw is shredded. The straw in the mulch area is shredded at intervals. The width of the shredded straw strips used for planting corn is 80cm, and the width of the whole straw mulch strips (L3) is 70cm. While shredding the straw, the shredded straw is also incorporated into the whole straw mulch strips to serve as the mulch strips for the current season, forming an alternating arrangement of 80cm wide strips to be sown and 70cm wide straw mulch strips. (3) Reduced tillage Tillage and prepare the land for the strips to be sown. The width of the operation is 80cm. The operation method is rotary tillage or harrowing. The tillage depth is no more than 15cm. Light compaction is carried out at the same time as tillage and preparation to bring the land to the ready-to-sow state. (4) Sowing Two large rows of corn are planted on each side of the strip to be planted, and two small rows of corn are planted alternately in each large row, for a total of 4 rows of corn. The spacing H1 between the large rows is 50-60cm, the spacing h1 between the two small rows is 12cm, the spacing H2 between the outermost rows of corn on both sides of the straw covering strip is 100-120cm, H2 = 2H1, and the corn planting strip is 3cm away from the straw covering strip on both sides, forming a two-way air pattern of H1-H2. Drip irrigation tape is laid in the middle of the two small row spacing. (5) Plant spacing For denser planting, in the four rows to be planted in strips, the inner row spacing H1 of the two large rows and the plant spacing L are 12.3-15cm, and the outer row spacing of the two large rows is H1+2h1. (6) Precision control of weeds After sowing, herbicides are sprayed on the planting rows that are not covered with straw, and soil sealing treatment is carried out before the weeds germinate; (7) Chemical control to prevent collapse When corn grows to the 8-10 leaf stage, spray plant growth regulators to control the plant height, lower the ear position, and prevent lodging. (8) Water and fertilizer management Adjust water and fertilizer management based on actual planting density, fertilization level and yield target. If there is frequent rain, apply chemical fertilizer manually or spray foliar fertilizer to prevent nutrient deficiency in the later stages of corn growth. (9) Other field management Other field management practices are the same as those for local large fields; (10) Crop rotation the following year The following year, two large rows of corn were planted within the previous year's covering strip, with two smaller rows planted in each large row, for a total of four rows of corn. The outermost row of the planting strip was positioned 1 cm away from the outermost row of the previous year's corn planting, forming the same H1-H2 two-to-two spacing pattern of four densely planted straw staggered arrangement as the previous year.

2. The method for increasing density planting in semi-arid areas by full straw mulching, reduced tillage, and integrated water and fertilizer management as described in claim 1, is characterized in that: When weeding after corn seedlings emerge, the focus should be on removing weeds in the cover rows.

3. The method for increasing density planting in semi-arid areas by full straw mulching, reduced tillage, and integrated water and fertilizer management as described in claim 1, is characterized in that: H1 is 50cm, H2 is 100cm, and the sowing density is 11,800-14,400 plants per mu.

4. The method for increasing density planting in semi-arid areas by full straw mulching, reduced tillage, and integrated water and fertilizer management as described in claim 1, characterized in that: H1 is 60cm, H2 is 120cm, and the sowing density is 9800-12000 plants per mu.

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