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Title: | The Effects of Hay and Straw Mulches on Soil Temperatures and Moisture Values |
Other Titles: | The Effects of Hay and Straw Mulches on Soil Microclimates |
Authors: | Hannell, Christine Brenda |
Advisor: | Hannell, F. G. Davies, J. A. |
Department: | Geography |
Keywords: | soil temperature, soil moisture, mulches, hay, straw, mulch diameter, seasonal changes, soil climate |
Publication Date: | Oct-1971 |
Abstract: | <p> Measurements of soil temperature and soil moisture values beneath and in close proximity to circular mulches of hay and straw were made. The experiments were conducted to determine whether sub-surface effects vary with mulch diameter, and to acquire information concerning the seasonal changes in such effects produced by a mulch of most favourable diameter. The modification of soil climate increased with a greater mulch size. A circular mulch with a diameter of 60 cms or less was considered to be of no practical value for winter protection of roots. The mulch with a 240 cms. diameter, provided some winter protection, preventing freezing of the soil, and, in summer caused considerable modification of the sub-surface climate. In the summer, soil temperatures were lowered by values of up to 5°C and 2.5°C at 5 and 100 cms. depth respectively. After a two-month period of dry weather, moisture values at 0-10 cms. depth beneath the mulch were 20% by volume, whereas, outside the mulch they were 5%. These differences decreased with increasing depth but were over 10% at 100 ems. </p> |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/11375/17938 |
Appears in Collections: | Open Access Dissertations and Theses |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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Hannell_Christine_B_Oct1971_MSc.pdf | 59.04 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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