Comparing the Methods of Determining Infiltration Rates Using Different Mulch Materials in a Semi-Arid Environment
Jibrin M. Dibal
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Resources Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Maiduguri, P. M. B. 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria.
A. Y. Arku *
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Resources Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Maiduguri, P. M. B. 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria.
N. A. Abubakar
Department Agricultural and Bio-Resource Engineering Programme, Faculty of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P. M. B 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria.
A. B. Mustapha
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Resources Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Maiduguri, P. M. B. 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Soil organic additives such as mulches improve soil quality and reduce soil negative environmental problems. Previous studies have documented the significance of mulches in modifying soil infiltration capacity. Different methods of measuring soil infiltration characteristics are also reported. This study explored the effect of different methods of measuring infiltration rates and various Mulch materials on the infiltration characteristics of sandy loam soil. The methods studied were the Single Ring Infiltrometer, Double Ring Infiltrometer, and the Furrow Inflow-Outflow Methods. The study found that more reliable results were obtained using double ring infiltrometer over Single Ring Infiltrometer and the Furrow Inflow-Outflow Methods. Sawdust mulches best improved the soil condition and offered best infiltration results. The interactions of double ring infiltrometer method and sawdust mulching presented best infiltration rate results. The results showed the significance of this common traditional practice of mulching in arid and semi-arid regions, and stressed the need for prudent selection of tools when measuring soil infiltration characteristics. Results from such measurements could be used to improve choice of materials for optimal decision-making in working out plants-soil-water dynamics problems. Hence, this can be used as an index for the soil productivity.
Keywords: Infiltration characteristics, infiltrometer, mulching, sandy loam soil, soil quality, semi-arid region.