Effects of Colored Plastic Films Mulching on Soil Environment and Growth of Oriental Tobacco

To investigate the effects of different color films on soil properties, oriental tobacco growth and leaf quality, four treatments were set up: no plastic film mulching (CK), black (T1), silver (T2) and transparent plastic film mulching (T3). The study examined their impacts throughout the entire growth period. The results showed that the soil temperature and moisture content of T1-T3 were higher than those in CK, while the soil electrical conductivity was lower. The contents of alkali hydrolyzed nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, organic matter in T1 soil were significantly higher than those in other treatments. Different colored plastic film treatments could shorten the field growth period, and the plant growth performance, dry matter accumulation, yield and economic benefit of tobacco were better than CK. In the treatments of plastic film mulching, T1 and T3 showed significantly improved tobacco growth and quality. Notably, T1 treatment exhibited the highest yield and market value, with 42.21% and 49.96% increases respectively compared to CK. T1 significantly increased the Samson nicotine content; and achieved the highest comprehensive score in principal component analysis. In summary, the application of plastic film mulching could avoid tobacco cold damage in the early stage of growth, improve the soil environment, promote the growth of tobacco, and improve the yield, quality and adaptability of oriental tobacco. Among all treatments, black plastic film mulching demonstrated the optimal comprehensive effects.