Effects of surface mulches on abiotic properties of drip-irrigated xeric landscapes in central Arizona-Phoenix

The primary objective of this project is to study Effects of Surface Mulches on Abiotic Properties of Drip-Irrigated Xeric Landscapes Soil moisture (Li 2003, van Wesemael et al 1996). Vegetative mulches such as green waste compost and pine bark chips also reduce evaporation and increase soil moisture (Brady and Weil 2002, Pickering et al 1998). Mulches increase water infiltration into the soil profile by preventing soil crust formation (Brady and Weil 2002). Mulch improves soil structure, reduces soil erosion and reduces surface compaction by protecting soil aggregates from beating rain and direct solar radiation (Brady and Weil 2002, Borland 1990, Li 2003). Mulch buffers soil temperature extremes (Brady and Weil 2002, Li 2003, Montague et al 1998 and 2000, Pickering et al 1998). .