A cultivation-sand interlaced zone spring maize ridge / drip irrigation-dense planting coupling water-saving, salt control and yield increasing cultivation method

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of crop cultivation, and particularly relates to a kind of cultivated land-sand interlaced zone spring maize ridge / drip irrigation-dense planting coupled water-saving salt control yield increasing cultivation method.The application utilizes the precise cooperation mode of drip irrigation under film combined with dense planting, utilizes mulch to block ineffective evaporation, and utilizes the drip irrigation point source infiltration mechanism to maintain the suitable water content of maize rhizosphere soil.Under the coupling of dense planting root system strong water absorption and precise irrigation, lateral migration of salt and precise desalination of root zone are realized, and the desalination rate of the core root zone of maize is 19.5% higher than that before sowing, effectively blocking the salt surface accumulation and salt return phenomenon driven by shallow brackish water.Moreover, by using the cultivation method, the maize increases yield by 5.6%, the water consumption during the whole growth period is reduced by 8.8%, and the irrigation quota is reduced by 36.4%, realizing the cooperation of high yield and water efficient use of maize, and solving the contradiction between high yield and water saving in traditional ridge irrigation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of crop cultivation technology, specifically relating to a water-saving, salt-controlling, and yield-increasing cultivation method for spring maize in alternating tillage and sandy soil zones using a combination of drip irrigation and dense planting. Background Technology

[0002] In the arid and saline irrigation areas of Northwest my country, such as along the Yellow River basin and near the edge of deserts, the ecological environment is fragile and surface evaporation is strong. In such habitats, there is often shallow groundwater (e.g., 2.2-2.5 m deep). The traditional spring maize planting model mainly relies on furrow irrigation (surface irrigation) to "suppress salt with large amounts of water". However, this existing technology has several defects: (1) Extremely low resource utilization rate: Under furrow irrigation, a large amount of irrigation water seeps into the deep underground layer, resulting in water loss at depths that the roots cannot utilize, and the irrigation water use efficiency (WUE) is generally low. (2) Exacerbates secondary salinization: In areas where the groundwater is shallow (e.g., 2.2-2.5 m deep), large-scale irrigation will cause shallow saline water to drive salt to rise sharply with capillary water, and the salt content of the surface soil will increase, resulting in secondary salinization. (3) Imbalance between planting model and water and salt regulation: Existing dense planting strategies (e.g., high-density planting under conventional furrow irrigation) lack precise response to the water consumption patterns of crops. High water competition caused by dense planting can easily lead to "source-sink imbalance" in plants in the later stages, manifested as excessive stem growth, premature aging in the later stages, and hindered dry matter accumulation.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field to solve how to improve planting density to break through the yield bottleneck, while establishing a water-saving and salt-controlling technology system that can be "dynamically adapted" to the water consumption patterns of densely planted populations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a water-saving, salt-controlling, and yield-increasing cultivation method for spring maize in the transition zone between cultivated and sandy soils using a combination of furrow irrigation and dense planting. This cultivation method achieves two-dimensional spatial reshaping of farmland water and salt through a precise synergistic mode of "drip irrigation under film + dense planting," as well as the synergy between high maize yield and efficient water use, thus solving the contradiction between high yield and water conservation that traditional furrow irrigation cannot achieve simultaneously.

[0005] This invention provides a water-saving, salt-controlling, and yield-increasing cultivation method for spring maize in the transition zone between cultivated and sandy soils, comprising the following steps: planting spring maize using a wide-narrow row mulching method; The row spacing for the wide rows is 80 cm; the row spacing for the narrow rows is 30 cm; the planting density for spring maize is 8.5~9.0 × 10⁻⁶. 4 Plant / hm 2 ; The mulching is performed such that each sheet of mulch film covers two rows of corn at the same time, and the two rows of corn covered by the same mulch film form a narrow row between them. The irrigation method for the spring corn is drip irrigation under mulch film; The irrigation quota for the entire growth period of spring maize is 1800~2400 m³. 3 / hm 2 .

[0006] As a preferred embodiment, the ground coverage width of each sheet of mulch film is 70 cm.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment, the spacing between the drip irrigation tapes in the subsurface drip irrigation is 1.1 m.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment, the drip irrigation tape is laid in the middle of a narrow row.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment, the spacing between adjacent drip heads of the same drip irrigation tape is 20~40 cm; the rated flow rate of the drip irrigation tape is 1.5~2.5 L / h.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment, the drip irrigation under the membrane includes the jointing stage, the tasseling stage, and the grouting stage.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment, the moisture content of the core root zone of the spring maize is 18.5%~22.3%; the core root zone is a soil layer with a horizontal radius of 15cm centered on the base of the maize plant stem and 0~40cm below the ground surface.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment, the cultivated-sand transition zone includes the arid and saline irrigation area of ​​Northwest China.

[0013] As a preferred option, fertilizer is applied using an integrated water and fertilizer drip irrigation method during the planting process.

[0014] As a preferred option, before planting spring corn, the following measures are also taken: spring irrigation using furrow irrigation.

[0015] Beneficial Effects: This invention provides a water-saving, salt-controlling, and yield-increasing cultivation method for spring maize in the transition zone between cultivated and sandy soils, comprising the following steps: planting spring maize using a wide-narrow row mulching method; the row spacing of the wide rows is 80 cm; the row spacing of the narrow rows is 30 cm; and the planting density of the spring maize is 8.5~9.0 × 10⁻⁶. 4 Plant / hm 2 The mulching involves each sheet of plastic film simultaneously covering two rows of corn, forming narrow rows between the two rows covered by the same film; the irrigation method for the spring corn is drip irrigation under the film; the irrigation quota for the entire growth period of the spring corn is 1800~2400 m³. 3 / hm 2This invention utilizes a precise synergistic model combining drip irrigation under mulch film and dense planting. The mulch film blocks ineffective evaporation, and the drip irrigation's point-source infiltration mechanism maintains suitable soil moisture content in the maize rhizosphere. Under the coupling of the strong water-absorbing pull of the densely planted roots and precise irrigation, lateral salt migration and precise desalination in the root zone are achieved. Actual measurements show that the desalination rate in the core root zone of maize reaches 19.5% compared to before planting, effectively preventing the surface accumulation and return of salt driven by shallow brackish water. Furthermore, using the cultivation method described in this invention, maize yield increases by 5.6% while reducing water consumption throughout the entire growth period by 8.8% and irrigation quota by 36.4%, achieving a synergy between high yield and efficient water use, and resolving the contradiction between high yield and water conservation that traditional furrow irrigation struggles to achieve simultaneously. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below.

[0017] Figure 1 The diagrams above are planting diagrams for Example 1 and Comparative Example 1; the upper diagram is a field planting layout and system diagram of the present invention, and the lower diagram is a comparison diagram of planting density between Example 1 and Comparative Example 1. Figure 2 The maize harvest index represents the results of different treatment methods. Figure 3 The yield, water consumption, and water use efficiency of maize under different treatment methods; Figure 4 The vertical distribution of soil moisture under different treatments is shown in the figure. The horizontal axis represents the soil volumetric water content (5), and the vertical axis represents the soil depth (cm). Figure 5 The figure shows the soil salinity distribution characteristics under different treatment methods. The horizontal axis 0 corresponds to the center of the drip irrigation tape, and the vertical axis 0 corresponds to the soil surface, with the soil depth shown below. Detailed Implementation

[0018] This invention provides a water-saving, salt-controlling, and yield-increasing cultivation method for spring maize in the transition zone between cultivated and sandy soils, comprising the following steps: planting spring maize using a wide-narrow row mulching method; The row spacing for the wide rows is 80 cm; the row spacing for the narrow rows is 30 cm; the planting density for spring maize is 8.5~9.0×10⁻¹⁰. 4 Plant / hm 2 ; The mulching is performed such that each sheet of mulch film covers two rows of corn at the same time, and the two rows of corn covered by the same mulch film form a narrow row between them. The irrigation method for the spring corn is drip irrigation under mulch film; The irrigation quota for the entire growth period of spring maize is 1800~2400 m³. 3 / hm2 .

[0019] Unless otherwise specified, all materials involved in this invention are obtained through conventional commercial means.

[0020] The arable-sand transition zone described in this invention refers to an ecologically fragile area where agricultural oases and desert (or desert) ecosystems intersect (or transition) under arid and semi-arid climatic conditions. As one implementation, this arable-sand transition zone includes the arid and saline-alkali irrigation area of ​​Northwest China; for example, the Ordos South Bank Irrigation Area belongs to the arid and saline-alkali irrigation area of ​​Northwest China. This area is located on the south bank of the Yellow River's "U"-shaped bend, adjacent to the edge of the Kubuqi Desert, and is also known as the Yellow River Irrigation Area. The arable-sand transition zone has a fragile ecological environment with strong surface evaporation. In particular, this type of habitat often has shallowly buried deep groundwater, which in this invention refers to a slightly saline water environment with a groundwater level buried at a depth of 2.2~2.5 m. The Ordos South Bank Irrigation Area has typical arid and semi-arid continental climate characteristics, with scarce precipitation, an average annual precipitation of only 280~320 mm; and extremely strong surface evaporation, with an average annual evaporation of 2100~2300 mm. This invention is based on "drip irrigation under mulch" technology. It reduces ineffective water evaporation through physical barriers (mulch film) and introduces a "point source infiltration" mechanism to reshape the two-dimensional distribution pattern of water and salt in farmland under this type of habitat, thus determining a dense planting-drip irrigation coupled cultivation scheme suitable for this habitat.

[0021] As one implementation method, spring irrigation is carried out using furrow irrigation before planting spring corn. As another implementation method, the spring irrigation is carried out one month before spring corn planting; the irrigation volume is 2100-2400 m³. 3 / hm 2 In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the irrigation volume for spring irrigation can be 2100~2400 m³. 3 / hm 2 Any value in m, such as 2100, 2150, 2200, 2300, or 2400. 3 / hm 2 The spring irrigation described in this invention provides suitable water conditions for the growth of spring maize. Pre-sowing furrow irrigation allows irrigation water to fully infiltrate the field, replenishing soil moisture in the tillage layer and the main root zone of maize, and promoting the downward migration of soluble salts in the surface and sowing layers, reducing soil salinity in the sowing layer. After a period of water infiltration, redistribution, and moderate moisture dissipation following spring irrigation, the soil moisture reaches a suitable level for mechanical operations and seed germination at sowing time, which is beneficial for improving uniform emergence and reducing salt stress during the seedling stage. The spring irrigation described in this invention serves to replenish soil moisture before sowing, concentrate salt leaching, and store moisture. During the maize growing season, drip irrigation is used for small, precise water supply, thus achieving a synergistic effect of furrow irrigation for salt leaching and drip irrigation for water conservation.

[0022] This invention employs a wide-narrow row mulching method for planting spring maize. As one implementation method, this method is suitable for flat land. Planting spring maize on flat land ensures uniform infiltration of drip irrigation water and nutrients into the field, avoiding localized water accumulation or runoff loss due to uneven terrain. Combined with the wide-narrow row mulching method (30 cm narrow rows), it not only minimizes ineffective evaporation from the soil surface but also optimizes ventilation and light penetration within the crop population, thereby achieving a synergistic effect of efficient water use and increased crop yield. This invention does not limit the variety of spring maize; any locally prevalent variety can be used, such as Heping 602, which is the most widely planted crop in the Ordos South Bank Irrigation District and has the highest degree of coupling between its water requirements and the local climate.

[0023] The wide row spacing in this invention is 80 cm; the narrow row spacing is 30 cm; and the planting density of the spring maize is 8.5~9.0×10⁻¹⁰. 4 Plant / hm 2 In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the planting density of the spring maize seeds can be 8.5~9.0×10⁶. 4 Plant / hm 2 Any value in, for example 8.5 × 10 4 8.6×10 4 8.63×10 4 8.7×10 4 8.77×10 4 8.8×10 4 8.85×10 4 8.9×10 4 8.96×10 4 Or 9.0×10 4 Plant / hm 2 In one implementation method, the plant spacing of the spring maize can be any value of 20-22 cm, such as 20, 21, or 22 cm. This invention employs a planting strip pattern with narrow rows of 30 cm and wide rows of 80 cm, and controls the plant spacing at 20-22 cm under high-density treatment, establishing a highly efficient dense planting space system adapted to this specific habitat. Subsequently, through the strong water absorption pull of the densely planted root system, combined with precise irrigation, lateral salt migration and precise desalination of the root zone are achieved.

[0024] The mulch film of this invention covers two rows of corn simultaneously with each sheet of mulch film, forming a narrow row between the two rows. In one embodiment, the ground coverage width of each sheet of mulch film is 70 cm; in another embodiment, the longitudinal centerline of each sheet of mulch film along the planting direction coincides with the centerline of the drip irrigation tape; in another embodiment, 5-10 cm of soil is placed on both sides of each sheet of mulch film to compact it and prevent displacement or damage. This invention does not limit the type of mulch film; conventional mulch film can be used, such as biodegradable mulch film, liquid mulch film, or reflective mulch film. The mulch film of this invention can block ineffective water evaporation between crop plants and increase soil temperature, thus playing a role in moisture retention and assisting the drip irrigation system in achieving synergistic regulation of water and salt transport.

[0025] The irrigation method for spring corn described in this invention is drip irrigation under mulch film. In one embodiment, the spacing between the drip irrigation tapes is 1.1 m. In another embodiment, the drip irrigation tape is laid in the middle of narrow rows. In yet another embodiment, the drip irrigation tape is laid under the mulch film. This corn planting method is also known as the "one film, one pipe, two rows" wide-narrow row flat planting method. In one embodiment, the spacing between adjacent drip heads on the same drip irrigation tape is 20-40 cm; in a specific embodiment of this invention, the spacing between drip heads on the drip irrigation tape can be any value within the range of 20-40 cm, such as 20, 22, 25, 27, 29, 30, 32, 35, 38, or 40 cm. In one embodiment, the rated flow rate of the drip irrigation tape is 1.5-2.5 L / h. The rated flow rate mentioned in this invention refers to the average water output per hour from a single drip head under standard test pressure (typically 0.1 MPa). In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the rated flow rate of the drip irrigation tape can be any value from 1.5 to 2.5 L / h, for example, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, or 2.5 L / h. As one implementation, the working pressure of the drip irrigation tape is 0.08 to 0.12 MPa; in a specific embodiment of the present invention, the working pressure of the drip irrigation tape can be any value from 0.08 to 0.12 MPa, for example, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.11, or 0.12 MPa. The present invention does not limit the type of drip irrigation tape; conventional drip irrigation tapes in the art can be used, such as embedded patch drip irrigation tape, labyrinth drip irrigation tape, pressure-compensating drip heads, or micro-sprinkler tape. This invention, based on "subsurface drip irrigation" technology, not only reduces ineffective water evaporation through a physical barrier (mulch film), but also introduces a "point-source infiltration" mechanism (i.e., water is precisely applied to the soil in droplets through drippers). Water diffuses horizontally and vertically from the drip irrigation tape as the center, forming a localized moist body. This creates a water force driving the continuous movement of water, reshaping the two-dimensional distribution pattern of water and salt in farmland. Utilizing this point-source infiltration mechanism, under set dripper flow rates and irrigation quotas, the irrigation water forms a dynamically expanding moist body centered on the dripper in both horizontal and vertical directions, promoting the redistribution of salts from the root zone within the mulch film to the outer edge of the moist body and the edge area of ​​the mulch film. The corn planting rows, located approximately 15 cm to either side of the drippers, are placed within the moistened body. During the outward infiltration of water, soluble salts migrate towards the outer edge of the moistened body and the bare ground between the membranes, thereby creating a low-salt microenvironment within the moistened body and the corn core root zone. This maintains a suitable moisture content of 18.5%–22.3% in the core root zone (0–40 cm) throughout the entire corn growth period. In one specific embodiment of this invention, an embedded patch drip irrigation tape is used, with a dripper spacing of 30 cm, a rated flow rate of 2.0 L / h, and an operating pressure of 0.1 MPa. The drip irrigation tape is laid in the center of the 30 cm narrow row, 15 cm from both sides of the corn planting rows.After irrigation, the water spreads horizontally and vertically from the drip irrigation tape as the center, forming a localized moist body. In DM treatment, the lateral migration boundary of water is mainly controlled within 20-25 cm on both sides of the dripper, which can effectively cover the core root group in narrow rows; at the same time, the drip irrigation water promotes the migration of soluble salts from the root zone inside the membrane to the outer edge of the moist body and the inter-membrane area, forming a relatively low-salt, high-moisture microenvironment in the maize root zone.

[0026] The irrigation quota for the entire growth period of spring maize described in this invention is 1800~2400 m³. 3 / hm 2 The "full growth period" mentioned in this invention refers to the time from corn sowing to harvest. The irrigation quota for the entire growth period of spring corn mentioned in this invention refers to the total irrigation amount from sowing to maturity and harvest, excluding the spring irrigation amount used for salt leaching, soil moisture replenishment, and soil moisture storage before sowing. In a specific embodiment of this invention, the irrigation quota for the entire growth period of spring corn can be 1800~2400 m³. 3 / hm 2 Any value in the range, such as 1800, 1850, 1900, 1980, 2000, 2040, 2100, 2150, 2200, 2220, 2300, 2360, or 2400 m 3 / hm 2 In one implementation, the drip irrigation under the mulch film includes the jointing stage, the tasseling stage, and the grouting stage. In another implementation, the irrigation quota during the jointing stage can be 450-600 m³. 3 / hm 2 For example, 450, 500, 550 or 600 m 3 / hm 2 The irrigation frequency during the jointing stage is twice, and the irrigation quota for each irrigation during the jointing stage can be 225~300 m³. 3 / hm 2 For example, 225, 250, 275 or 300 m 3 / hm 2 As one implementation method, the irrigation quota for the male-emerging stage can be 750~900 m³. 3 / hm 2 For example, 750, 800, 850 or 900 m 3 / hm 2 The number of irrigations during the male elongation period is 3; the irrigation quota for a single irrigation during the male elongation period can be 250~300 m³. 3 / hm 2 For example, 250, 280 or 300 m 3 / hm 2 As one implementation method, the staged irrigation quota during the grouting period can be 600~900 m³. 3 / hm 2 For example, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850 or 900 m 3 / hm 2 The grouting period involves three irrigations, and the irrigation quota for each irrigation during the grouting period can be 200-300 m³. 3 / hm 2 For example, 200, 250 or 300m 3 / hm 2 In one implementation method, the moisture content of the core root zone of the spring maize can be 18.5%~22.3%, for example, 18.5%, 19%, 19.2%, 19.8%, 19.5%, 20%, 20.4%, 21%, 21.6%, 22%, or 22.3%; the core root zone is the soil layer 0~40 cm below the ground surface, with a horizontal radius of 15 cm centered on the base of the maize plant stem. In this invention, the water supply status of the root zone under different irrigation quotas is evaluated by monitoring the volumetric moisture content of the core root zone, and the appropriate irrigation level is determined in combination with the water requirement pattern of spring maize during key growth stages. This invention determines the irrigation period according to the water requirement pattern of spring maize at different growth stages, with drip irrigation under film mainly carried out during the jointing stage, tasseling stage, and grain-filling stage. Specifically, irrigation is carried out twice during the jointing stage, three times during the tasseling stage, and three times during the grain-filling stage, for a total of eight irrigations throughout the entire growth period. The specific irrigation time can be appropriately adjusted within the corresponding growth stage based on local meteorological conditions and soil moisture. The experimental results show that, under suitable irrigation levels, the soil volumetric moisture content in the 0-40 cm core root zone treated with DM can be maintained within a suitable range of 18.5% to 22.3%.

[0027] Under dense planting conditions, excessive irrigation can cause severe deep seepage and lead to ineffective stem elongation. The cultivation method described in this invention matches the optimal source-sink balance point of densely planted populations (i.e., the ideal physiological state in which the crop's "supply capacity" and "acceptance and storage capacity" of photosynthetic products are dynamically matched and mutually unrestricted, maximizing yield potential). By precisely controlling the water content of the core root zone of spring maize to 18.5%~22.3% throughout the entire growth period, the irrigation quota for spring maize is maintained at 1800~2400 m³ / h. 3 / hm 2This invention limits the water content of the core root zone of spring maize to 18.5%–22.3% throughout its entire growth period, mitigating the surge in water competition within densely planted populations, preventing excessive stem elongation caused by over-irrigation, stabilizing plant height at 238.67 cm, and avoiding premature aging due to water deficit. This ensures that spring maize maintains a high leaf area index (LAI peak at 5.52) at maturity. This not only guarantees the supply of photosynthetic sources but also achieves an optimal population structure with a harvest index (HI) of 0.54, mechanistically guaranteeing yield potential under high-density conditions. Compared to high-water treatment (over-irrigation), the cultivation method described in this invention increases yield by 5.6% while reducing water consumption throughout the entire growth period by 8.8% and irrigation quota by 36.4%, achieving a synergy between high maize yield and efficient water use, and resolving the contradiction between high yield and water conservation that traditional furrow irrigation struggles to achieve. Experimental data confirms that the DM treatment group of this invention achieved a yield as high as 13856.7 kg / hm². 2 The water use efficiency reached 2.41 kg / m³. 3 This breaks the traditional technological prejudice of "high water consumption for high output".

[0028] In one implementation method, fertilizer is applied using an integrated fertigation drip irrigation system during the planting process. This integrated fertigation drip irrigation system involves simultaneously applying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers to the core root zone along with the irrigation water. This invention delivers nutrients directly to the rhizosphere via drip irrigation tape, further enhancing the nutrient absorption rate of densely planted corn. This complements the "precision water supply" of this invention, achieving the same goal of improving water use efficiency (WUE) and crop yield.

[0029] To further illustrate the present invention, the technical solutions provided by the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, but these should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] The embodiments and comparative examples described in this invention were all conducted in the same experimental field in the South Bank Irrigation District of Ordos, Inner Mongolia (Jirigalangtu Town, Hangjin Banner, Ordos City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region). Each plot was arranged in a randomized block design, and all field management measures were kept consistent except for the experimental factors.

[0031] Example 1: Dense-planting drip irrigation wastewater treatment (DM) A water-saving, salt-controlling, and yield-increasing cultivation method for spring maize in the tillage-sand transition zone includes the following steps: In the Ordos South Bank Irrigation District of Inner Mongolia, spring corn "Heping 602" was planted using a "one film, one pipe, two rows" wide and narrow row flat planting method.

[0032] On April 12, 2025, spring irrigation was carried out in the planting area using furrow irrigation, with an irrigation volume of approximately 2100-2400 m³. 3 / hm2 .

[0033] Rotary tillage was carried out before spring corn planting (May 7th) to ensure the land was level and the soil was finely broken; mechanical sowing was carried out on May 13th, with drip irrigation tape and mulch film laid simultaneously. A planting diagram is shown below. Figure 1 As shown in the middle left image. The wide row spacing is set to 80cm, the narrow row spacing to 30cm, and the planting density to 8.77×10⁻⁶. 4 Plant / hm 2 The irrigation quota for the entire growing season is set at 2100m³. 3 / hm 2 Based on the water requirement patterns of spring maize during its key growth stages, water was supplemented during the jointing, tasseling, and grain-filling stages. A drip irrigation system was used for multiple irrigations to ensure that the soil volumetric moisture content in the 0-40 cm core root zone remained stable at 18.5%-22.3% throughout the entire growth period of spring maize. In this embodiment, the drip irrigation treatment was as follows: irrigation was carried out on June 20th and June 30th during the jointing stage; on July 10th, July 20th, and July 30th during the tasseling stage; and on August 10th, August 20th, and August 30th during the grain-filling stage, for a total of 8 irrigations throughout the entire growth period; the single irrigation volume was 250, 250, 300, 300, 300, 250, 250, and 200 m³, respectively. 3 / hm 2 .

[0034] Meanwhile, throughout the entire growth period, an integrated water and fertilizer drip irrigation method is used, and fertilizer is applied to the corn root zone along with water according to the local spring corn conventional fertilization standards and ratios.

[0035] Example 2: Dense Planting Drip Irrigation Low Water Treatment (DL) A water-saving, salt-controlling, and yield-increasing cultivation method for spring maize in the tillage-sand transition zone is described. The operation is the same as in Example 1, except that the planting density is 8.77 × 10⁻⁶. 4 Plant / hm 2 The irrigation quota for the entire growing season is set at 1800 m³. 3 / hm 2 In this embodiment, the drip irrigation treatment is as follows: irrigation is carried out on June 20th and June 30th during the jointing stage; irrigation is carried out on July 10th, July 20th, and July 30th during the tasseling stage; and irrigation is carried out on August 10th, August 20th, and August 30th during the grain-filling stage, for a total of 8 irrigations throughout the entire growth period; the single irrigation volume is 225, 225, 250, 250, 250, 200, 200, and 200 m³ respectively. 3 / hm 2 .

[0036] Example 3: High-Density Drip Irrigation High-Water Treatment (DH) A water-saving, salt-controlling, and yield-increasing cultivation method for spring maize in the tillage-sand transition zone is described. The operation is the same as in Example 1, except that the planting density is 8.77 × 10⁻⁶. 4 Plant / hm 2 The irrigation quota for the entire growing season is set at 2400 m³. 3 / hm 2 In this embodiment, the drip irrigation treatment is as follows: irrigation is carried out on June 20th and June 30th during the jointing stage; irrigation is carried out on July 10th, July 20th, and July 30th during the tasseling stage; and irrigation is carried out on August 10th, August 20th, and August 30th during the grain-filling stage, for a total of 8 irrigations throughout the entire growth period; the irrigation volume for each irrigation is 300 m³. 3 / hm 2 .

[0037] Comparative Example 1: Conventional furrow irrigation (CK) A method for cultivating spring maize, operating the same as in Example 1, except that no mulching is used, and the maize planting density is 7.27 × 10⁶. 4 Plant / hm 2 The local traditional flood irrigation method was used for regular water replenishment. Conventional furrow irrigation was applied once each during the jointing, tasseling, and grain-filling stages, for a total of three irrigations throughout the growth period, specifically on June 30th, July 20th, and August 20th; each irrigation covered 900 m². 3 / hm 2 The irrigation quota for the entire growing season is 2700 m³. 3 / hm 2 Planting diagram as follows: Figure 1 As shown in the middle right figure.

[0038] Comparative Example 2: High-water treatment with dense planting and furrow irrigation (QH) A spring maize cultivation method, the operation is the same as in Example 1, the difference being: no mulching treatment, and the irrigation quota is 3300m³. 3 / hm 2 .

[0039] In this embodiment, irrigation was carried out during the jointing, tasseling, and grain-filling stages, for a total of three irrigations throughout the growth period, specifically on June 30th, July 20th, and August 20th. The irrigation during the jointing stage covered 1000 m³. 3 / hm 2 Irrigation during the male emergence period: 1200 m³ 3 / hm 2 1100 m³ of water was injected during the grouting period. 3 / hm 2 The total irrigation quota for the entire growing season is 3300 m³. 3 / hm 2 .

[0040] Comparative Example 3: Water Treatment in Densely Planted Furrow Irrigation (QM) A spring maize cultivation method, the operation is the same as comparative example 2, the difference being: the irrigation quota is 3000 m³. 3 / hm 2 .

[0041] In this embodiment, irrigation was carried out during the jointing, tasseling, and grain-filling stages, for a total of three irrigations throughout the growth period, specifically on June 30th, July 20th, and August 20th. The irrigation during the jointing stage covered 900 m³. 3 / hm 2 Irrigation during the male emergence period: 1100 m³ 3 / hm 2 1000 m³ of water was injected during the grouting period. 3 / hm 2 The total irrigation quota for the entire growing season is 3000 m³. 3 / hm 2 .

[0042] Comparative Example 4: Dense Planting and Furrow Irrigation with Low Water Treatment (QL) A spring maize cultivation method, the operation is the same as comparative example 2, the difference being: the irrigation quota is 2700 m³. 3 / hm 2 .

[0043] In this embodiment, irrigation was carried out during the jointing, tasseling, and grain-filling stages, for a total of three irrigations throughout the growth period, specifically on June 30th, July 20th, and August 20th. Irrigation during the jointing stage covered 800 m³. 3 / hm 2 Irrigation during the male emergence period: 1000 m³ 3 / hm 2 900 m³ of water was injected during the grouting period. 3 / hm 2 The total irrigation quota for the entire growing season is 2700 m³. 3 / hm 2 .

[0044] Test case Approximately 145-155 days after sowing, spring maize enters the maturity stage. In this example, sampling and yield measurement were conducted around October 10, 2025. The yield and harvest index (HI) of Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 1-4 were measured at maturity. After removing edge rows from each plot, five uniformly growing, disease-free plants (15 plants per treatment) were randomly selected along an "S"-shaped route to measure aboveground biomass. The grains were air-dried, threshed, and weighed, and the yield per unit area (Y) was calculated based on the planting density. grain The above-ground non-grain parts (stems, leaves, rachis, etc.) were dried at 80℃ to constant weight and recorded as straw biomass (Y).straw The formula for calculating the harvest index is shown below.

[0045] .

[0046] The formula for water use efficiency is as follows: In the formula, Y represents the grain yield of spring maize (kg / hm). 2 ); ET represents the water consumption (i.e., evapotranspiration, mm) of spring maize throughout its entire growth period.

[0047] The formula for calculating water consumption is as follows: ; In the formula, P represents the total precipitation during the growing season (mm); I represents the irrigation amount during the growing season (mm). S represents the difference in root zone water storage at the beginning and end of the growing season (mm); h represents the root zone depth, taken as 100 cm; θ1 and θ2 represent the average volumetric water content of the 100 cm soil layer at the beginning and end of the growing season (cm³). 3 / cm 3 G is groundwater recharge (mm); D is deep seepage (mm); R is runoff (mm). In the actual implementation environment of this invention, if a short-term rainstorm causes surface water accumulation and artificial drainage is carried out, the accumulated drainage water volume is converted and uniformly included in the runoff item R.

[0048] The method for determining the average volumetric moisture content is as follows: during the key growth period of spring maize and before and after each irrigation, soil samples from the 0-100cm soil layer were collected using a soil auger (layer spacing 20cm, 3 replicates). For drip irrigation treatment, samples were taken from bare ground between the film and in the center of the wide rows; the mass moisture content was determined by the drying method (105℃), and converted to volumetric moisture content by combining it with the bulk density.

[0049] The test results are shown in Table 1 and Figures 2-3 As shown, there were significant differences in spring maize yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and harvest index (HI) among the treatments. Under conventional irrigation, simply increasing planting density exacerbated resource competition within the population. Specifically, the QL treatment had a total water consumption of 583.0 mm over the entire growth period, with a final yield of only 10435.8 kg / hm². 2 The WUE was lower than that of the conventional density control (CK), which was 1.79 kg / m³. 3 The HI (0.46) was the lowest in the entire group; although the high-water treatment (QH) of dense planting and furrow irrigation increased the yield by increasing the amount of irrigation water, it also produced greater deep seepage, and its water use efficiency was only 2.08 kg / m². 3This indicates that further increasing furrow irrigation water consumption requires a high water resource cost. While drip irrigation under mulch generally improved the resource utilization efficiency of the population, the high-water treatment (DH) exhibited the negative effects of over-irrigation: its water consumption was the highest among the drip irrigation group (605.3 mm), and excessive water led to excessive stem growth, exacerbating nutrient competition during the irrigation period, resulting in a decrease in thousand-grain weight to 342.1 g, failing to convert high water consumption into high yield. Among all seven treatments, the DM treatment achieved a better balance between water consumption and yield. The DM treatment had a water consumption of 575.0 mm during the growth period and a final yield of 13856.7 kg / hm². 2 This represents a 29.5% increase in yield compared to the control (CK). Furthermore, the WUE of this treatment was 2.41 kg / m³. 3 The HI (0.54) values ​​reached their peak values ​​in all tested treatments. Compared with the QH treatment, which had the highest yield in the furrow irrigation and dense planting group, the DM treatment increased yield by 5.6% while reducing water consumption during the growth period by 8.8% and irrigation quota by 36.4%. In summary, the DM treatment, through moderate water supply, avoided both the growth inhibition caused by water deficit and the excessive vegetative growth caused by excessive irrigation, achieving significant water-saving and yield-increasing effects under dense planting conditions.

[0050] Table 1. Results of maize yield and water use efficiency in each treatment group of Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 1-4.

[0051] Meanwhile, the desalination rate (R) of the maize core root zone in Example 1 was measured, and the calculation formula is as follows: ; In the formula, S pre This refers to the initial salt content of the 0-40 cm soil layer before sowing; S post This refers to the final salinity of the 0-40cm soil layer after the end of the growing season (after harvest).

[0052] Measurements showed that the desalination rate of the maize core root zone (0-40cm) in Example 1 of this invention reached 19.5%; in contrast, the desalination rate of the root zone in Comparative Example 1 (CK, conventional irrigation treatment) was only 4.2%, while the desalination rate of the root zone in the conventional moderate irrigation treatment (QM) was 11.6%. This fully demonstrates that this invention, through optimized water and salt regulation, can significantly improve the desalination effect of the core root zone, effectively inhibit salt accumulation, and create a low-salt microzone more suitable for crop growth.

[0053] The vertical distribution of soil moisture and the distribution of salinity in each treatment group were measured, and the results are as follows: Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown.

[0054] Figure 4This study reflects the variation of soil moisture content with soil depth under different treatments. The results show that the spatiotemporal distribution of soil moisture throughout the growth period responds significantly to different irrigation modes. Under the dense planting furrow irrigation mode, water exhibits a two-dimensional vertical infiltration characteristic, showing a typical "bottom-cluster" distribution. Among them, the QH treatment has a higher overall soil moisture content in all soil layers due to the large single infiltration volume, with the soil moisture content in the 80-100 cm soil layer at the extraction period reaching 23.0%. Darcy's law calculations show that the peak deep downward flux after irrigation or heavy rainfall reaches 113.3 mm / d, and the cumulative deep infiltration volume throughout the growth period is as high as 145.6 mm. As the irrigation volume decreases, the water curves of the QM and QL treatments shift significantly to the left under the strong water-consuming competition of the dense planting population, making it difficult to maintain effective water supply in the later stages of growth. This indicates that conventional furrow irrigation has a crude control capacity, is highly dependent on high water pressure and salt, and that low water volume intensifies water competition among the population, while excessive water volume leads to serious ineffective deep water loss. In contrast, drip irrigation under dense planting film shows a more refined two-dimensional water control advantage. Vertically, the water content of drip irrigation under mulch film is concentrated in the main root activity zone (0-40 cm) throughout the entire growth period, exhibiting a typical "surface-clustered" distribution. This is mainly due to the synergistic effect of three factors: the mulch film blocks ineffective evaporation; the small-flow-rate water supply weakens gravity infiltration; and the capillary water-holding capacity of the silty loam soil in the 0-40 cm layer is better than that of deeper layers. Under the combined effects of "upper blocking, lower control, and strong water retention," water can be retained in the core root zone for a long time. Among them, the DH treatment has shallow water redundancy; the soil moisture content in the root zone of the DL treatment drops to 16%-17% during the grouting period, with local deficits; while the DM treatment maintains a suitable moisture content of 18.5%-22.3% in the profile, with a deep infiltration of only 34.5 mm throughout the entire growth period. Horizontally, during the tasseling period, the soil moisture in the 0-40 cm layer exhibits a regular spatial distribution under all treatments, with the soil volumetric water content generally decreasing with increasing horizontal distance, centered on the dripper. Because the core absorbing root system in this embodiment is highly intertwined within a narrow 30 cm row, the lateral water transport boundary directly determines the degree of matching with the "water-root" configuration of the population. Insufficient lateral diffusion in the DL treatment can easily lead to stress. Due to the larger irrigation volume in the DH treatment, the wetting body further expands into the 80 cm wide row area, causing some water to enter non-primary root activity zones. Only the DM treatment distributes the lateral transport boundary mainly within 20-25 cm on both sides of the dripper, perfectly covering the core root group in the narrow row in physical space. Under the dual mechanism of "precise horizontal coverage and significant reduction of deep leakage", the DM treatment efficiently anchors limited water in the root zone, achieving an excellent match between micro-area supply and demand.

[0055] Appropriate drip irrigation water volume can promote the redistribution of salts from the root zone to the outer edges. For example... Figure 5As shown, under DM treatment, the total soil salt content in the root zone within the 0–40 cm soil layer decreased from the pre-sowing level to 0.95 g / kg, with a desalination rate of 19.5%. Simultaneously, salt accumulation was detected in the compacted soil layer at the edge of the mulch film, approximately 42 cm from the dripper and at a soil depth of 20–40 cm, where the total soil salt content increased to 1.42 g / kg compared to pre-sowing. These results indicate that appropriate drip irrigation volume can reduce soil salinity in the root zone within the mulch film and promote the redistribution of salt to the edge area of ​​the mulch film.

[0056] Although the above embodiments have provided a detailed description of the present invention, they are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. People can obtain other embodiments based on these embodiments without creative effort, and these embodiments all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cultivation method for water-saving, salt-controlling, and yield-increasing spring maize in a tillage-sand transition zone, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Spring corn was planted using a wide-narrow row mulching method; The row spacing for the wide rows is 80 cm; the row spacing for the narrow rows is 30 cm; the planting density for spring maize is 8.5~9.0 × 10⁻⁶. 4 Plant / hm 2 ; The mulching is performed such that each sheet of mulch film covers two rows of corn at the same time, and the two rows of corn covered by the same mulch film form a narrow row between them. The irrigation method for the spring corn is drip irrigation under mulch film; The irrigation quota for the entire growth period of spring maize is 1800~2400 m³. 3 / hm 2 .

2. The cultivation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ground coverage width of each sheet of mulch film is 70cm.

3. The cultivation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spacing between the drip irrigation tapes in the subsurface drip irrigation is 1.1 m.

4. The cultivation method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drip irrigation tape is laid in the middle of the narrow row.

5. The cultivation method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The distance between adjacent drip heads of the same drip irrigation tape is 20~40 cm; the rated flow rate of the drip irrigation tape is 1.5~2.5 L / h.

6. The cultivation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The periods for subsurface drip irrigation include the jointing stage, the tasseling stage, and the grouting stage.

7. The cultivation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The moisture content of the core root zone of the spring maize is 18.5%~22.3%; the core root zone is the soil layer with a horizontal radius of 15cm centered on the base of the maize plant stem and 0~40cm below the ground surface.

8. The cultivation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cultivated-sand transition zone includes the arid and saline irrigation area in Northwest China.

9. The cultivation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the planting process, fertilizer is applied using an integrated water and fertilizer drip irrigation method.

10. The cultivation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before planting spring corn, the following measures are also taken: spring irrigation using furrow irrigation.

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