Simulation and Evaluation of Spring Maize Growth Under Drip Irrigation with Fully Biodegradable Film Mulching Based on the DSSAT Model

Fully biodegradable mulch film enhances temperature and moisture retention during the early stages of maize growth while naturally degrading in the later stages, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastic mulch films. However, there is no consensus on its impact on maize growth and yield. The present study utilized field test data from spring maize covered with fully biodegradable mulch film in the Xiliaohe Plain, aiming to improve the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) model while focusing on soil temperature, irrigation, rainfall, and evapotranspiration. The parameters of the DSSAT model were calibrated and validated using field test data from 2016 to 2018. The improved DSSAT model accurately simulated the maize growth process under various induction periods of fully biodegradable mulch film. The simulation accuracy of this model was as follows: MRE < 10%, nRMSE < 12%, and ≥ 0.80. Moreover, the yield of spring corn covered with fully biodegradable mulch film was predicted using meteorological data from 2019 to 2023. This study suggests that regions such as the Xiliaohe Plain, which share climatic conditions, should opt for fully biodegradable mulch film with an induction period of approximately 80 days to ensure high yields across different hydrological years.