| Inter-cropping, plastic film mulching and liquid film mulching were adopted to improve and optimize the farming practice characterized by large-size ridges and furrows in hilly loess regions. The results revealed that inter-cropping, plastic film mulching and liquid film mulching could raise photosynthetic rates, dry matter accumulation, and daily leaf physiological changes during all the periods of corn growth; in addition, the improved and optimized practice could increase the photosynthetic and transpiration rates of corn during various diurnal periods, thereby improving the water use efficiency. |