The flow of moisture in the model sod-podzolic soil under mulch fir litter

Abstract

When applying mulch to a soil surface in a decorative manner, it is possible to leave small “pockets” or unmulched zones. The capillary-sorption pressure of the soil moisture of the superficial layers in such “pockets” directly in contact with mulched areas decreases more rapidly than that of those covered with mulch as a result of more intense surface evaporation. Thus, horizontal moisture fluxes are formed that bring moisture to drier zones and provide the soil of small unmulched zones with additional moisture.