Synergy between aerated drip and biodegradable film enhances sustainable maize production in arid oasis

Biodegradable film (BF) is considered a promising and environmentally friendly alternative to polyethylene film (PE). However, its benefits for soil and crop growth are generally weaker than those of PE, particularly during the later stages of crop growth. In contrast, aerated drip irrigation demonstrates significant advantages in soil environment, carbon balance, and crop yield. To evaluate the feasibility of BF mulching under aerated drip irrigation, we examined soil volumetric water content, oxygen concentration, respiration, CO₂ emissions, maize photosynthetic characteristics, harvested biomass, yield, water use efficiency, and net carbon sequestration under aerated drip irrigation, non-aerated drip irrigation, PE mulching, BF mulching with 60-day and 100-day induction periods. The field experiment was conducted in Shihezi, Xinjiang, during the growing seasons of maize in 2021 and 2022. Results indicated that both aerated drip irrigation and BF mulching reduced shallow soil volumetric water content and enhanced soil oxygen concentration. Although BF mulching resulted in declines in maize growth, carbon balance, and economic indicators, aerated drip irrigation effectively mitigated these reductions. Aerated drip irrigation improved soil conditions, enhanced root biomass, and boosted agricultural productivity. Notably, both single indicator analysis and entropy-weighted TOPSIS evaluation revealed that aerated drip irrigation combined with BF mulching, featuring a 100-day induction period, ensured economic and ecological benefits comparable to those of PE mulching (P > 0.05). This combination sustains economic benefits, improves soil conditions, preserves field carbon balance, mitigates residual plastic pollution, and supports the sustainable production of maize.