Impact of different types of mulches on soil moisture.

摘要

An experiment was conducted during 2003 in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, to study the effect of different mulches on evaporation from soil. Soil columns were covered with 2 cm layer of different types of mulches (wheat straw, paper and sand mulches) and control (no mulch). Results indicated that the least amount of water loss occurred in wheat straw mulch, which was 50% less than the control treatment. The water loss from paper and sand mulch was 16.0 and 8.69% less than the control, respectively. It is suggested that wheat straw mulch has greater potential of decreasing evaporation from soil by providing protective barrier against direct sun rays and wind currents.