Mulching Impact on Moisture Conservation ─ Soil Properties and Plant Growth

1 ABSTRACT: The irrigated area of Pakistan mostly falls in the arid to semi-arid climatic region. Potential evapo- transpiration is considerably higher, compared to rainfall received and hence, there is need to conserve soil moisture for better crop production/tree plantation. The experiment was carried out on silty clay soil near village Jalalpur Kangra (Sahiwal Site) District Sargodha from June, 2001 to September, 2003. The broad objective of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of different mulching materials on moisture conservation, soil properties and plant growth. The initial ECe and SAR of 0-15 cm soil ranged between 5.38 to 8.84 dS m -1 and 75.97 to 94.19 (mmolC L -1 ) 1/2 , respectively. The mulching treatments tested were: T1, no mulching; T2, placement of rice straw; T3 placement of polythene sheet; and T4, mechanical loosening of soil. In total, twelve plots were constructed each measuring 48 x 48 ft. Sixty four saplings of Eucalyptus Camandulensis each at a distance of 6 x 6 ft were planted in each mulching treatment in August, 2001.