Meta-Analysis of the Factors Influencing Straw Return Effects on Maize Yield in China

Abstract

Background: Straw return, as an important practice for soil improvement and nutrient recycling, has great potential for enhancing soil fertility and crop productivity. However, its yield-enhancing effects and the major driving factors remain unclear under different ecological environments and agricultural management conditions. To address this issue, this study quantitatively evaluated the effects of straw return on maize yield and identified the major influencing factors. A meta-analysis was conducted using published data, with the log response ratio used as the effect size, followed by subgroup analysis and partial least squares structural equation modeling. Results: Compared with no straw return, straw return significantly increased maize yield, overall by 26.75% (p < 0.001). Among the different management practices, straw return combined with nitrogen application had the greatest yield-promoting effect. Climatic conditions significantly influenced the yield response, with higher yield increases in arid (by 28.8%) and semi-humid (25.3%) regions. The positive effect of straw return was more pronounced in soils with low-to-moderate nutrient levels, suggesting that straw return can effectively alleviate soil nutrient limitations. Cropping systems and management practices also played important regulatory roles in maize yield. Partial least squares structural equation modeling demonstrated that cropping systems (path coefficient 0.26) and management practices (0.38) had significant positive effects on maize yield, whereas soil factors (−0.236) exerted a significant negative effect. Climatic factors indirectly regulated maize yield through their influence on soil properties, while soil factors also indirectly affected maize yield by influencing cropping systems. Conclusion: Straw return is verified as an efficient and sustainable field management measure to improve maize productivity in China, with its effectiveness being strongly dependent on nitrogen fertilization regimes, cropping system and management practices. Further research into microbial and enzymatic mechanisms is required, which should be incorporated into future meta-analyses to complement microscopic theoretical evidence and provide a scientific basis for the efficient utilization of straw resources.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Agronomy, 2026 · DOI ↗