Prolonged Dry Spells During the Reproductive Stage Significantly Suppress Ecosystem Carbon Fluxes in Maize Cropland

Maize cropland without straw return acted as a net C source when harvest removals were considered. We therefore recommend promoting straw return practices in the region to strengthen soil carbon sequestration capacity and enhance agroecosystem resilience to drought.

And further research is needed to evaluate the role of straw return practices on the carbon budget in the area.