Tuesday, November 6, 2007
187-9

Changing of the Agro Physical Composition of Serozem Soils by Action of Polyethylene Film Mulching.

Toshniyoz Goziev, Biology, Samarkand State University, University Bvld 15, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

The agro physical composition of soil is one of the soils most important factors. Plant development as well microbiological development are heavily dependant on it. When using Polyetheylene File Mulching the volume weight of soil significantly decreases. This was especially noticed in shallower soil depts. Measuring 10 cm depths, we observed in our control 1.36 g/sm3, and with mulching, we observed showed 1.23 g/sm3. This difference decreased as sample depths increased. Decreasing the volume weight though mulch use, increased air porosity. The opposite was seen when increasing volume weight. These differences were found in soil depths only up to 50cm. The largest difference was recorded between 0-10cm. In the control, the porosity level was 49.2%, whereas under mulching it was 54.1%. Using the mulch however did not effect the total soil mass. Use of the mulch did significantly increase the water absorption of the soil. Water absorption rate in the control was 64mm/hr, but by using the mulch it was increased to 94.5mm/hr. Within 6 hours these rates changed to 25.77mm/hr and 33.65mm/hr respectively. By using the mulch, the ability for the soil to absorb and maintain moisture was much better. This was especially noticeable after the soil was irrigated. This indicates good conditions for agricultural use. The use of mulching obviously increased the amount of water reserve maintained by the soil. Not only did the mulch increase soil moisture and water reserve but it also increased the soil temperature and some effective temperature. By using mulch, the temperature increased depending on the depths of horizon and time of day the measurement was recorded. Therefore, using mulch in irrigation serozem soil did effect agro physical condition of soil.