Causes clarification of the soil aggregates stability on mulched soil

Abstract

Soil aggregates have great effects on soil properties and soil functions. Mulching (organic inputs) has been known as a factor influencing soil aggregate stability. Our study aimed to reveal the causes of the higher stability of soil aggregates under organic mulches. The primary soil characteristics such as organic carbon (Cox), humus quality (E4/E6), potential wettability index (PWI), and aromaticity index (iAR) were determined. The Cox was measured using rapid dichromate oxidation, and E4/E6 was measured using the UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The PWI and iAR were determined according to the intensity of selected bands in diffuse reflectance infrared spectra. Results showed that mulched plots contained higher Cox content in aggregates in comparison with whole soil. This indicates that the carbon was stabilized within the aggregates and sequestrated into the soil. The iAR was significantly higher after using the organic mulches, the aliphatic components of the organic matter thus contribute more to the aggregates stabilization. The PWI of aggregates was found to  be  higher after applying these mulches than in soil. Organic mulches are therefore able to reduce the wettability of the aggregates and also to protect the aggregate from dispersion with water.