Abstract:

This paper aims to provide a theoretical basis for planting Setaria italica and Panicum miliaceum L. under plastic film mulching hole-planting patterns in the arid region of southern Ningxia through studying the growth characteristics, filling character and water use efficiency (WUE) of crops. In the study, five mulching hole-planting patterns were set up: water-permeable plastic-film mulch, traditional plastic-film mulch, degradable plastic-film mulch, only mulching of ridge with plastic film + hole-planting in furrow, and no covered hole-planting (CK). The method of field location test combined with laboratory analysis was adopted. The yield-increasing effects of different mulching hole-planting patterns on Setaria italica and Panicum miliaceum L. were ranked as follows: water-permeable plastic-film mulch> traditional plastic-film mulch > only mulching of ridge with plastic film + hole-planting in furrow > degradable plastic-film mulch > no covered hole-planting (CK). Compared with CK, the yield of mulching hole-planting pattern of Setaria italica and Panicum miliaceum L. was increased by 48.4%-66.5% and 53.9%-70.3%, respectively, and the WUE was increased by 58.1%-80.6% and 31.9%-55.9%, respectively, the filling rate of main spike was 0.89-1.01 g/d and 0.34-0.39 g/d, respectively, 41.3%-60.3% and 36.0%-56.0% higher than that of CK. Under the mulching hole-planting and CK, the time entering the active filling stage was about 24 d and 30 d after heading, respectively, the filling termination period was 6 d earlier than that of CK. In summary, the patterns of water-permeable plastic-film mulch and only mulching of ridge with plastic film+ hole-planting in furrow are more suitable for Setaria italica and Panicum miliaceum L. in the arid region of southern Ningxia. In the context of water deficit, paying attention to the management of water and fertilizer in jointing stage and filling stage is the key measure to achieve high yield.

Key words: Setaria italica and Panicum miliaceum L., Mulching Hole-planting, Filling Rate, Water Deficit, Yield Level