Changes in soil enzymes, soil properties, and maize crop productivity under wheat straw mulching in Guanzhong, China

• Published in: Soil & tillage research Vol. 182; pp. 94 - 102
• Main Authors: Akhtar, Kashif, Wang, Weiyu, Ren, Guangxin, Khan, Ahmad, Feng, Yongzhong, Yang, Gaihe
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.10.2018
• Subjects: beta-fructofuranosidase; biomass production; catalase; China; corn; grain yield; Invertase; mulching; nitrogen; phosphorus; semiarid zones; soil biological properties; soil depth; Soil enzymes; soil organic carbon; Soil properties; soil sampling; soil water; soil water content; Straw mulch; straw mulches; sustainable agriculture; total nitrogen; total phosphorus; urease; Water use efficiency; wheat straw; Zea mays; China; Straw mulch; Soil enzymes; Zea mays; Water use efficiency; Soil properties; Invertase

•Straw mulch was effective in increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) content.•Straw mulch improves the soil N, P and soil water content in 0–10 cm soil layer.•Straw mulch treatments significantly increased the soil enzyme activity.•Enzyme activities are related to nutrient dynamics, particularly SOC a...