006 Mulch for soil health

1
006 MULCH FOR SOIL HEALTH
Soil moisture is important for plant growth and
normal metabolic activity. Evaporation is a
process by which water in soil enters into the
atmosphere and makes the soil dry. Mulching is a
process by which plant residues are spread in
between plant rows to avoid direct hitting of sun
light and thereby slows down the evaporation and
soil retains moisture for a longer time.
MATERIALS REQUIRED
Three 1m X 1m plots in the school garden. Litter
and decomposed leaves as mulch. Transparent
polythene sheet (1m X 1m). Seeds or saplings and
Water.
polythene sheet
mulch
2
In the school garden in Plot A do normal
gardening. In Plot B cover it with mulch (organic
matter) and in Plot C cover it with a transparent
polythene sheet. Observe the moisture content of
the soil everyday as well as observe activity of
soil organisms in the 3 plots.
3
Note down the difference in moisture content of
open and mulched field. Polythene sheets are
today recommended as mulch. Observe the
difference between Plots B C with reference to
soil organisms. Did you observe earthworms?
Please record and discuss.