Abstract: To investigate the impact of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) on soil temperature, maize growth and yield with different mulching methods, we conducted field mulching and RDI experiment at an experimental base in Yongdeng county, Lanzhou City, in 2021. A total of eight treatments were arranged with four mulchings, namely white film-mulch (M1), ground fabric (M2), biodegradable plastic film (M3), and liquid film (M4), each under two supplemental irrigation scenarios, that is, sufficient irrigation (D1) and mild water stress (D2). The impact of each treatment on soil temperature and maize growth and yield were examined, with white film-mulch under sufficient irrigation (D1M1) serving as the control group throughout the growth period. Results indicated that white film-mulch demonstrated the most effective increase in surface soil temperature, while liquid film performed the least favorably in this regard. Soil temperature did not show significant differences among various water stress scenarios given the same mulching method. Maize growth and yield varied significantly dependent on the mulching methods employed. Mild water stress did not notably affect maize yield, but a combination of mulching methods and water-film interaction significantly boosted yield (P＜0.01), with the former outperforming the latter. The highest yield was achieved with treatment D2M1 at 19 761.32 kg/hm², significantly surpassing yields from other treatments. Yield under D1M3 was slightly higher than that of the control treatment. Being environmental friendly, the D1M3 treatment is the most conducive for regional sustainable development.

Key words: maize growth, mulching methods, regulated deficit irrigation, accumulated soil temperature, yield