Fangzhou Xu  ,  Xiaoqian Li  ,  Chunchun An  ,  Xinchuang Chen  ,  Qicong Wu  ,  Yang Chen  ,  Wenling Fu  ,  Dan Shan  ,  Jinrong Li ,  Zhi Dong

Abstract

Polysaccharide-based liquid mulching films (LMFs) exhibit inherent excessive hydrophilicity and loose structure, rendering them incapable of regulating soil moisture transport. To address these issues, this study employed the Pickering emulsion template method to prepare beeswax (BW) solid lipid particles (SLPs), dispersed as hydrophobic domains within the hydrophilic pectin polymer, thereby forming pectin–BW/montmorillonite (P–BW/MMT) LMF with “hydrophilic overall-hydrophobic locally” characteristics. The continuous hydrophilic pectin polymer promoted the infiltration of moisture in arid regions, while the selective exposure of hydrophobic BW SLPs on the LMF surface and its internal filling regulated the moisture infiltration pathways to reduce moisture loss. The surface soil layer stabilized by P–BW/MMT LMF (the consolidated soil layer) showed better wind erosion resistance (wind speed 30 m/s), enhanced water retention (maximum improved of 19.62 %), good heat preservation (maximum increased by 2.33 °C), and promoted lateral migration of moisture in the soil. Ultimately, the consolidated soil layer did not hinder seedling emergence, but promoted the growth of wheat roots and shoots while demonstrating favorable degradability. These results indicate that the P–BW/MMT LMF improves water infiltration and retention behaviors in soil via the hydrophilic–hydrophobic balance strategy, offering a green and sustainable solution for agricultural development in arid regions.

Paper Linkage:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.149023