[Effects of subsoiling and straw returning on soil physical properties and maize production in Yellow River irrigation area of Gansu, China].

O uptake increased by 49.6%, 51.5% and 37.6%, compared with rotary tillage. Overall, our results suggested that subsoiling 35 cm straw retention could improve soil characteristics, stabilize the phy-sical properties of the plough layer, increase soil water content in the 0-100 cm soil layer, and reduce water variation in spring and autumn. Consequently, it was the best management to promote the water and nutrient utilization of maize and achieve high yield. Our findings could provide theoretical basis for further research on the construction technology of the plough layer in Gansu irrigation area.