The Effects of Straw Incorporation on Physicochemical Properties of Soil: A Review

Abstract

Straw incorporation is a proven agronomic practice not only for improving water conservation and alleviating soil salinization but also increasing soil fertility and crop yield. This paper reviews the progresses in decades of studies on effects of straw incorporation on physical and biogeochemical properties of soil as well as the consequences for water and salt transport, soil nutrients and crop yield. We also review the side effects of straw incorporation and their mitigations. In particular, we focus on the combined effects of straw incorporation with other agronomic practices including tillage, soil conditioners, pretreatment of straw, and analyze the mechanisms underlying the changes in soil properties in response to these treatments. The effects of the amount of incorporated straw, its buried depth, the way of incorporation on water and salt movement are also analyzed. We discuss the mechanisms underlying the improved water storage and soil desalination, as well as soil fertility and crop yield due to straw incorporation. Several perspectives which deserve further studies are also highlighted, including its combined effect with nitrogen fertilization, accelerating straw decomposition, the impact on soil water and soil nutrients, as well as some detrimental influences and their mitigation. Based on available studies, some points worth attention in practical application of straw incorporation are addressed. This review provides a reference for research and application of straw in crop production.

Keywords

• straw incorporation
• soil aggregation
• soil water and salt movement
• soil fertility
• soil quality improvement