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.

Water.

mulch polythene sheet

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.

mulch polythene sheet

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.