Effect of mulch on soil thermal regimes - A review

Abstract

Any material spread over the soil to assist soil and water conservation, and increase the productivity of soil is called mulch. The application of different types of mulch to soil is one of the corner stones of agriculture. Mulch may be organic or inorganic/synthetic in nature. Mulches are well-known for modifying the heat/energy and water balance at the surface of soils and creating more favorable conditions for plant growth. Soil thermal regimes can be modified by using different kinds of mulches. Soil temperature is agriculturally more significant than aerial temperature. Extensive research in the past indicates that mulches modify soil hydrothermal regimes in crop root zone, conserve soil moisture, keep down weeds and promote soil productivity. Mulch influences the hydrothermal regimes by changing radiation balance, rate of heat and water vapor transfer and heat capacity of soil. However, the magnitude of the desired effects depends on the quality, quantity, durability of mulch material, soil type and climatic conditions. In the era of climate change, mulching materials should be extensively used especially under rainfed conditions for soil and moisture/water conservation, temperature moderation, soil health maintenance and finally towards the increased agricultural productivity. The economics and environmental concerns should also be taken into account while selecting the mulch material.