THE SUITABILITY OF COMPOSTED GREEN WASTE AS AN ORGANIC MULCH: EFFECTS ON SOIL MOISTURE RETENTION AND SURFACE TEMPERATURE

Identification of suitable performance criteria with which to compare different mulching materials is discussed, and an experiment is described which assesses the effects on soil moisture and surface temperature following application of green waste compost and chipped bark mulches to a sandy clay loam soil.

Green waste compost (particle size ≤10mm) and conifer bark chips (25mm grade) were applied as a surface mulch at two depths (50mm and 100mm). Un-mulched control plots were included, half untreated, half with a herbicide treatment.
Neutron probe measurements taken at four depths (0–150, 150–250, 250–350, and 350–450mm), were used to determine soil-moisture content at four sampling periods over twelve months.
During each sampling period, soil surface temperature was also recorded.
The main treatment differences were seen during the summer and the influence of mulching was greatest nearest the soil surface.
The deeper the mulch, the greater the moisture retention beneath.
Moisture content under green waste compost was significantly higher than under bark.
Summer surface temperatures were significantly lower under bark than under green waste compost.

International Symposium on Composting & Use of Composted Material in Horticulture

J.S. Pickering, A.D. Kendle, P. Hadley

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1998.469.34