[Objective] The best suitable areas, suitable crops, and the effect difference between degradable and water-permeable mulching film were studied in order to provide theoretical guidance for the application of degradable and water-permeable mulching film.[Methods] The field researches on degradable mulch and water-permeable mulch were collected through the search of literatures, and a meta-analysis was performed based on these studies.[Results] The yield and WUE of all crops covered by degradable mulching film were significantly higher than that of no mulching; compared with ordinary mulching film, the degradable mulching film reduced the yield of corn and increased the yield of cotton, and there were no difference to other crops. The yield was lower than ordinary mulching film when the rainfall was less than 500 mm, while the rainfall was higher than 500 mm, there was no significant difference in yield. The yield and WUE of corn, wheat, millet and sorghum covered with water-permeable plastic film were significantly higher than those without mulching; compared with ordinary plastic film, the yield and WUE of corn and millet covered with water-permeable plastic film were higher than those of ordinary plastic film, especially in the millet which showed a significant increase in yield. Compared with ordinary mulching film, water-permeable mulching film had a significant increase effect in production in areas where the rainfall was less than 500 mm, and there was no difference above 500 mm. The soil temperature of the degradable mulching film in the late growth period was lower than that of the ordinary mulching film, while the temperature increase effect of the water-permeable mulching film at low temperature was better than that at high temperature, and the temperature of whole the growth period was more suitable for crop needs.[Conclusion] At present, degradable mulching film can basically replace ordinary mulching film on short-growth crops with rainfall greater than 500 mm, but it is risky to apply it on long growth period crops in areas with low rainfall; and water-permeable mulching film should be prioritized when rainfall is less than 500 mm in short growth period crop.