Abstract:

The experiment was conducted with the split plot design to study the effects of straw mulch and zero tillage on the temperature and bulk density of soil, the SPAD value of functional leaves, photosynthetic characteristics and growth situation of cotton. The results showed that the temperature and bulk density of soil, the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), inter CO2 concentration (Ci), transpiration rate (Tr) of cotton were lower in zero tillage treatments than in tillage treatments, while the SPAD value of functional leaves was higher. The temperature of soil was lower in straw mulch treatments than in other treatments, while the moisture was higher. In zero tillage treatments, the bulk density of soil, the stomatal conductance (Gs), inter CO2 concentration (Ci), transpiration rate (Tr) of cotton were higher in straw mulch condition than in other conditions, which was opposite in tillage treatments. The bolls had no variety among with zero tillage treatments and tillage treatments. The bolls, boll weight and lint percentage was higher in straw mulch treatments than in no mulch treatments. The SPAD value of functional leaves was decreased with the increasing of straw mulch quantity, while the yield was increased. The photosynthetic characteristics and yields of cotton under the condition of straw mulch and zero tillage were lower than under the condition of tillage. The yield had no variety among with different mulches.