Soil Temperature Management

Use of organic and synthetic mulches: Mulches keep soil cooler in hot summer and warm in cool winter.

Soil water management: High moisture content in humid temperate region lowers soil temperature.

Tillage management: Tilling soil to break the natural structure reduces the heat conductance and heat loss. A highly compact soil looses heat faster than

Management of Soil Temperature

Two approaches:

a) Practices that cover or mulch soil

Mulches buffer extremes in soil temperature

Mulches are important for temperate and tropical environments.

b) Practices that reduce excess soil moisture.

Poorly drained soils in temperate regions have been found to be about 5 deg. C cooler than comparable well drained soils.

Removing water alleviates temperature depression. Use drainage systems Use ridge tillage systems.