Weiguo Lu , Lijun Qiu

Modern Agricultural Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
Legume Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol. 16, No. 6   doi: 10.5376/lgg.2025.16.0029
Received: 11 Oct., 2025    Accepted: 26 Nov., 2025    Published: 24 Nov., 2025

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Lu W.L., and Qiu L.J., 2025, Study on the effect of film mulching on broad bean germination and moisture conservation, Legume Genomics and Genetics, 16(6): 288-296 (doi: 10.5376/lgg.2025.16.0029)

Broad bean (Vicia faba L.) is a vital leguminous crop widely cultivated for its nutritional and agronomic value; however, its successful germination and moisture retention remain challenging under conventional cultivation practices. In this study, we investigated the effects of film mulching on broad bean germination, soil moisture conservation, and subsequent plant growth by modifying the microclimate and reducing water evaporation. The research explored the mechanisms through which film mulching enhances soil temperature stability, moisture retention in the root zone, and seedling emergence while also reducing irrigation frequency and weed competition. A field experiment comparing mulched and non-mulched plots over two seasons demonstrated higher germination rates, better moisture metrics, and increased yield in the mulched plots. Additionally, we assessed the impact of different mulch materials on plant performance and analyzed environmental and economic implications, including residue management and sustainability of biodegradable films. These findings suggest that film mulching significantly improves the germination and moisture status of broad bean crops, offering practical insights for sustainable legume production in moisture-limited regions and promoting its broader application in climate-smart agriculture.

Broad bean; Film mulching; Germination rate; Soil moisture conservation; Sustainable agriculture