Objectives In arid and semi-arid regions, the critical factor in achieving stable and high crop yield is the nutrient efficiency for crop utilization. We studied the effects of tillage and mulching measures on the yield and nutrient absorption of spring maize in dryland-fed agricultural areas of the Loess Plateau to reference sustainable farmland management in the region.

Methods The conservation tillage experiment was started in 2003. It was located in the Loess Plateau Agricultural Ecological Experimental Station of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Eight treatments were selected, four traditional tillage and the other four no-tillage. The treatments under traditional tillage were traditional tillage (CT), plastic film mulching (CP), straw mulching (CS), and plastic film+straw mulching (CPS). The treatments under no-tillage were no-tillage control (NT), plastic film mulching (NP), straw mulching (NS), and plastic film+straw mulching (NPS). The maize biomass, yield, and nutrient accumulation in different parts of the crop were analyzed from 2007 to 2016.

Results Comparing traditional tillage group, the CP treatment increased the average grain yield by 24.4% and recorded the highest N and K utilization efficiency. The CS treatment increased the average biomass by 39.4% and had the highest maize stalk nutrient uptake, particularly the average K uptake increased by 101.7%. The CPS treatment recorded the highest average grain yield (9381.6 kg/hm²) and increased the average total N and P uptake by 63.2% and 123.7% compared with CT, respectively. Comparing the no-tillage group, the NP treatment increased average grain yield by 25.8%, NS reduced grain yield by 3.9%, and CPS recorded the highest average grain yield, biomass, total nitrogen uptake and total phosphorus uptake of plants. Under the same mulching practice, CT treatment had higher average grain yield, biomass, N uptake by various organs, and total N and P uptake than NT treatment. In the normal rainfall years, plastic film mulching had the highest yield (27.0%–37.4%), straw mulching recorded the highest yield in the dry years (3.5%–8.5%), and dual mulching had the highest yield in the wet years (31.6%–38.1%).

Conclusions In Weibei dryland, traditional tillage shows a better effect on maize production and yield. With traditional tillage, dual mulching using plastic film and straw is optimal for maize yield and nutrient absorption regardless of climate conditions.