Mulching for soil and Water Conservation

This Presentation explains the role of mulching for conservation for natural resources like soil and water for sustainable agriculture.

3. 1)Introduction
2)Mulching
3)Types of Mulching
4)Working of Mulch
5)Advantages of Mulching
6)Water & Soil Conservation by Mulching
7)Conclusion

4. Main Characteristics of Arid Zone
Low Precipitation
High Temperature
Major Problems of Arid Zone
Less availability of Moisture
Soil Erosion
One of the Solutions to Problems

5. A mulch is  a  layer  of 
material  applied  to  the 
surface of an area of soil.
Mulches are  materials 
placed over the soil surface 
to  maintain  moisture  and 
improve soil conditions.

7. “It  is  the  type  of  mulching  in 
which the mulching material is
always organic.”
Organic residues , grass 
clippings, leaves, hay, straw, 
shredded bark,  whole  bark, 
animal manure, etc.
Organic mulches are temporary 
decay over time.
They add Organic matter in Soil
Increase water retention Capacity
Provide Nutrients

8. In  this  form mulching
material is always from
inorganic source (synthetic) 
.
The  material  used  in  this 
type  is  usually stones, 
plastic bags , nylon sheets
etc.
They do not decompose 
with time.

10. 1)Moderates soil temperature
2)Reduces evaporation
3)Stabilizes soil moisture
4)Controls weeds
5)Controls soil erosion
6)Provides valuable nutrients as breaks down
7)Encourages worms, which aerate the soil

11. Mulches Prevent from water loss by:
 Moderation of soil Temperature
 Minimizing Evaporation
 Preventing Run-off
 Suppress water-stealing weeds
 Add organic matter to the soil
 Improve water retention capacity of soil

12. Mulches break the force of rain and
irrigation water thereby:
preventing erosion
soil compaction and crusting
Mulched soils absorb water faster
Improve Soil texture

13. Simplest and cheapest method to Conserve
Natural Resources
Conserve Soil Moisture
Organic Mulch-----------------25%
Inorganic Mulch---------------75%
Reduction in Soil erosion---------41-75%