Abstract: 【Objective】Plastic mulching film (PMF) has various effects, including improving soil temperature, moisture retention, and weed inhibition. It is an efficient and simple technical measure to alleviate the limitations of potato production. Based on publication data, this study quantified the effect of PMF on potato yield and water use efficiency (WUE), and further analyzed the influencing factors to provide a reference for sustainable potato production. 【Method】Based on a meta-analysis of 291 field experiments on PMF of potato production in China from 1981 to 2021, published in Web of Science and CNKI databases, including four regions, Northern single farming area (NSFA), Southwest mixed farming area (SWMFA), South winter farming area (SWFA), and Central plains second farming area (CPSFA). Meta-analysis was used to quantify the effects of PMF on potato yield and WUE. The study examined the effects of PFM on potato yield and WUE from various perspective, including the regions, natural conditions (average annual precipitation, soil bulk density, and soil organic matter content), and different management conditions (potassium fertilizer application rate, planting density, mulching color, and mulching method). 【Result】Compared with no mulching, PMF increased potato yield and WUE by 24.9% and 28.3% respectively. The effects of PMF on yield and WUE varied among different regions: NSFA (27.2%), SWFA (23.6%), SWMFA (18.1%) and CPSFA (10.1%). However, WUE was only significantly improved in the NSFA (29.1%). The response of yield and WUE to PMF varied among different regions and was influenced by natural conditions and management conditions. The response of yield to PMF varied among different regions under different natural condition. Planting density and mulching method had consistent effect in all regions, with the best yield increase achieved with low planting density and ridge. In the NSFA, PMF significantly improved WUE under low average annual precipitation, relatively low soil organic matter content, low soil bulk density and fertilizer application rate, medium planting density, black mulching color, and ridge. 【Conclusion】PMF had been widely used in China and the results showed it increased potato yield. The yield increase varied among different regions and was in the following order: NSFA, SWFA, SWMFA, and CPSFA. PMF only improved WUE in the NSFA. PMF performed better on yield increase under natural condition of low average annual precipitation, poor soil fertility, and loose soil, as well as under management conditions of relatively low fertilization level, relatively low planting density, black mulching, and ridge. In the NSFA, the conditions required for achieving optimal yield increase and WUE increase using PFM were comparable.

Key words: plastic film mulching, potato, yield, WUE, meta-analysis