Legume Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.6, 288-296 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/lgg 289 warmer. The temperature gun also gave the numbers: the new film can raise the surface temperature by 18.4%, and the old film by about 11.4% (Zhao et al., 2022). However, when it is extremely hot at noon, it is not good to keep the film on all the time. Many farmers will lift a corner to ventilate as an "escape window". In addition to temperature, the film also locks in moisture, and the ground often feels a little damp; some of the strong light is reflected, so the seedlings will not be wilted by the sun (Han et al., 2024). 2.2 Soil moisture conservation: reduction in evaporation and improved infiltration When exposed to the scorching sun, bare land will be dried up by a gust of wind; the film is like a pot cover, which first blocks evaporation and then allows rainwater to slowly seep in. Field comparisons have shown that the soil moisture content of the soil covered with film is about 11% higher (Valens et al., 2021). This 11% is life-saving water in the dry season. Even better, the water stays next to the roots, so crops can drink it anytime they are thirsty - farmers in water-scarce areas have used this trick time and again (Wang et al., 2024). 2.3 Weed and pest suppression: physical barrier reducing competition and pest exposure Mulch can also block weeds, which is equivalent to a barrier. It can make weeds grow less, thereby reducing their competition for water and nutrients. Some studies have also used biodegradable mulch with herbicides, which can effectively control broadleaf weeds, but when using it, it should be noted that too much herbicide may harm broad beans (Figure 1) (Khan et al., 2020). In addition to suppressing weeds, mulch can also make it more difficult for pests to approach broad beans, so that the crop can use more nutrients for its own growth and yield, thereby improving overall performance. Figure 1 Plant image showing reduction in plant growth particularly at higher concentrations of MCPA in the bioactive mulch films in six-week-old fava bean plants. MCPA concentrations from 10 to 0% (left to right) in comparison with control treatment (extreme right) (Adopted from Khan et al., 2020)
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