Nutritional management strategies with mulch covering materials to improve water productivity, blueberry yield, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in semi-arid regions

Considering the impact of mulching materials on fertilizer management and blueberry ( Vaccinium virgatum L) production, as well as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, is necessary for precision agriculture. Mulching applications play an essential role in sustainable cultivation and ecological protection. The mulching application with fertilization strategy was investigated using the best relative soil moisture and fertilizer coupling regimes technique for blueberries in China during the 2022 and 2023 study years. Here, we applied three N:P levels 0: N:P at 0:0 kg ha −1 ; 1: N:P at 80:60 kg ha −1 ; 2: N:P at 130:80 kg ha −1, with three mulching application materials BF: biodegradable film mulching; CF: plastic film mulching; and TF: conventional flat planting without mulching (as a control). Our results showed that the mulching materials application with fertilization strategy had a considerable effect on the GHG emissions, blueberry fruit quality, and chlorophyll content. The BF2 treatment significantly improves soil water storage (SWS), soil respiration rate, water use efficiency, and blueberry production, while significantly reducing ET c rate and GHG emissions compared to other treatments. The average global warming potential (GWP) of the BF0, BF1, and BF2 treatments significantly decreased by 44.7%, 36.4%, and 51.3%, respectively, compared with the TF0, TF1, and TF2 treatments. The biodegradable film mulching significantly decreased the cumulative and flux of N 2 O, CH 4, and CO 2 emissions at various growth stages, compared with plastic film mulch application. However, under the BF2 treatment, the higher No. of flower buds (24.5%), No. of new shoots (43.7%), total blueberry yield (67.2%) area and yield-scaled GWP (64.5%, 94.4%), and water productivity (WP c ) (71.3%), which can offset the negative environmental effects of climate change compared to TF0 treatment. Therefore, it is recommended to use BF2 treatment (biodegradable film with N:P at 130:80 kg ha −1 ) for cleaner and more effective blueberry production and an antioxidant defence system. The results of this study can be used to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of blueberries in semi-arid areas. This method can improve the productivity and profitability of local fruit growers. • Biodegradable film mulching significantly increased blueberry productivity, due to improved soil water storage. • Optimal nutrients application influences the greenhouse gas emissions obviously. • Biodegradable film mulching increased net GWP via increasing GHG emissions under N:P at 130:80 kg ha −1 , but significantly decreased GHGI.