The effects of tillage and no-tillage, and different rates of straw mulching (without, half and full) on soil nutrient content and drought resistance of maize on dry land in Hunan Province (China) were determined. It was found that straw mulching promoted growth and development of maize in normal year (2004) but did not reduce the effect of high temperature and drought and prolonged filling stage 2-4 d in high temperature and drought year (2005). Cultivation measures slightly affected the growth and development of maize. No-tillage prolonged growth duration for around 2 days under high temperature and drought condition. Straw mulching increased plant height, leaf area, dry matter weight, 1000-grain weight and yield. The effects of full-straw mulching were better than those of half-straw mulching. Under the same mulch rates, the effect of tillage was better than no-tillage. The organic matter, readily available K and available P in soil were increased by straw mulching, which was more evident under no-tillage condition although soil organic matter content was slightly decreased without straw mulching. The soil water content was increased by straw mulching, and the effect of full-straw mulching was better than that of half-straw mulching. These results showed that straw mulching can alleviate the harmful effect of drought to a certain extent, and at the same time can increase soil nutrient content. Moreover, the combined effect of straw mulching and no-tillage on increasing soil nutrient content was more evident.
