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Agricultural industry

White Film Mulching Reduces Carbon Emissions in Spring Wheat Farmland

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted by the Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences has demonstrated the effectiveness of white film mulching in reducing carbon emissions and increasing water productivity in spring wheat farmland in the arid region of Northwest China. The study, supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China, found that white film mulching promoted photosynthesis, improved soil water storage, and increased the number of effective tillers and dry matter accumulation. This method also resulted in a significant reduction in carbon emissions compared to black film mulching.

Key Takeaways:

  • White film mulching significantly improved soil water storage and promoted wheat growth in spring wheat farmland in the arid region of Northwest China.
  • During the jointing stage, black film mulching enhanced vegetative growth and increased soil water consumption, while white film mulching increased the number of effective tillers and promoted physiological growth.
  • CO2 absorption followed a general pattern of white film > bare-ground no mulch > black film from the jointing to the heading stage.
  • White film mulching experienced higher CO2 absorption at midday, while black film mulching experienced reduced CO2 absorption, resulting in a stronger net ecosystem carbon exchange (NEE) compared to black film (increased by 17.43% in 2023 and 14.48% in 2024).
  • White film mulching promoted photosynthesis through higher relative leaf chlorophyll content, which in turn improved tiller differentiation, dry matter accumulation, and water productivity (WP).
  • The use of white film mulching in spring wheat in the arid region of Northwest China proved to be an effective method for reducing carbon emissions and increasing WP.

Statistics:

  • 17.43% increase in CO2 absorption due to white film mulching in 2023;
  • 14.48% increase in CO2 absorption due to white film mulching in 2024;
  • 17.43% and 14.48% reductions in carbon emissions due to white film mulching in 2023 and 2024, respectively;
  • White film mulching resulted in a higher net ecosystem carbon exchange (NEE) compared to black film mulching (increased by 17.43% in 2023 and 14.48% in 2024).

Sources:

  • White film cover improves water productivity and reduces carbon emissions of spring wheat farmland in the arid region of Northwest China. Agricultural Water Management, 2025, 317():109658.

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