The influence of organic mulches on soil biological properties

Abstract

The application of organic mulches as a soil cover is effective in improving the quality of soil and increasing crop yield, especially in organic farming. The field experiment was carried out in 2008-2009 in the Pomological Garden of the Lithuanian University of Agriculture (54 degrees 53 ' N, 23 degrees 50 ' E). The soil type - Calc(ar)i-Endohypogleyic Luvisol (LVg-n-w-cc). Factor A - mulching: 1) without mulch, 2) straw, 3) peat, 4) sawdust, 5) grass. Factor B thickness of mulch layer: 1) 5 cm, 2) 10 cm. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of different organic mulches and different thickness of mulch layer on the soil enzymes activity and earthworm population. The tendency of higher activity of urease in the soil in plots mulched with sawdust and grass in 2008 - 2009 was established. A positive significant effect of grass mulch on saccharase activity in the soil was estimated. Mulching with straw and sawdust had a positive effect on saccharase activity in all experimental years. Straw mulch significantly increased the amount and biomass of earthworms. Grass mulch positively influenced the amount (significantly compared with unmulched plots) and biomass of earthworms. The thickness of mulch layer had no significant effect on soil hydrolytic enzymes and earthworm abundance.