The document discusses mulching for soil and water conservation. It defines mulching as a layer of material applied to soil to maintain moisture and improve soil conditions. There are three main types of mulching: organic, inorganic, and living cover crops. Organic mulches include residues, clippings, manure and provide nutrients. Inorganic mulches use materials like stones and plastic that do not decompose. Mulching moderates soil temperature, reduces evaporation, controls weeds and erosion, and conserves water and soil through reduced runoff and improved moisture retention.

2. MULCHING FOR SOIL AND
WATER CONSERVATON
Suhail Saliq
DEPARTMENT OF AGRONOMY
Bahauddin Zakariya University,
Multan, Pakistan.

3. Outline
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. Introduction
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
Mulching

5. Mulching
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.

6. Types of Mulching
Mulching
Non-
Living
Organic Inorganic
Living
Cover
Crop

7. Organic Mulches
“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. Inorganic Mulches
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.

9. Working of Mulch

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

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

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