Optimized Straw Strip Mulching Enhances Soil Water–Heat–Carbon Synergy and Stabilizes Winter Wheat Yield in Semi-Arid Regions

To address water-heat constraints and environmental risks associated with plastic film mulching in winter wheat production in the semi-arid region of Northwest China, a two-year field experiment (2021–2023) was conducted in Tongwei County, Gansu Province. A single-factor randomized block design was applied, with full plastic film mulching (PM) and bare land (CK) as controls, to evaluate the effects of 3-row (S3), 4-row (S4), and 5-row (S5) corn stalk strip mulching on soil hydrothermal condition