What Are the Benefits of Returning Wheat Straw to the Field? Methods and Precautions Explained in Detail

I. Benefits of Returning Wheat Straw to the Field

Returning wheat straw directly to the field not only reduces the number of tillage operations in the wheat field and lowers the cost of @#@245@#@ production, but also achieves rational use of the high-stubble wheat straw resource, avoids the practice of burning wheat straw, and helps conserve soil and water. After wheat straw is returned directly to the field, the straw covering the plow layer can reduce surface runoff during the rainy season, lessen soil compaction and cracking, and improve the soil's capacity to store water and conserve moisture; after the wheat straw decomposes, it can increase soil organic matter content, improve soil physical and chemical properties, and provide crops with various nutrient elements. At the same time, it can also increase the activity of beneficial soil microorganisms, activate potential soil nutrients, and offer many benefits for improving soil fertility.

II. Methods of Returning Wheat Straw Directly to the Field

There are two methods, namely plow-down incorporation and mulch return.

Plow-down incorporation means that after the crop is harvested, before the next crop is sown, the crop straw is plowed into the soil to serve as base fertilizer for the next crop.

Mulch return means spreading wheat straw over the ground surface. There are two specific ways to do this: first, topdressing mulch, that is, during the crop growing period, spreading a layer of chopped straw between the rows; second, at wheat harvest, leaving tall stubble, 10-25 cm high, and sowing with the no-till method, or interplanting corn before the wheat harvest, and only plowing the wheat straw into the soil when the corn is cultivated.

III. Precautions for Returning Wheat Straw Directly to the Field

1. There must be sufficient moisture; 2. It should be done when the temperature is high; the straw should be chopped short, generally 6.0-10.0 cm (2-3 cun) is appropriate; 4. As for the amount of straw returned to the field, return 200 kg of wheat straw per mu, and additionally apply 5-10 kg of urea to help the straw decompose.