Showing 19 results for Soil Moisture
M.r. Mosaddeghi, M.a. Hajabbasi, A. Hemmat, M. Afyuni,
Volume 3, Issue 4 (1-2000)
Abstract
Soil structure maintenance and stability is an important index indicating sustainable soil management. In this regard, components such as soil moisture and organic matter affect soil compactibility during farm machinery trafficking. Soils in Central Iran are commonly very low in organic matter (OM) and thus susceptible to compaction. This study was conducted to measure the effects of soil moisture content and manure application on soil compactibility. A randomized complete block design with four blocks (replicates) with the treatments nested (split-block) into the blocks was used in the soil (Typic Haplargids), located in Isfahan University of Technology Research Farm (Lavark). One-year aged manure treatments 0, 50, and 100 t ha-1 were incorporated into soil up to the tillage depth (20 cm) by a heavy disc. After five months (July-November), a two-wheel-drive tractor Universal Model U-650 was passed through the field at soil moisture contents of plastic limit (PL), 80% PL (0.8PL), and 60% PL (0.6L), either once (P1) or twice (P2). Bulk density (BD), cone index (CI), and soil sinkage (S) were measured as indices of soil compactibility and trafficability. Adding manure countered the effects of load and wetness on BD and CI, significantly. There was a significant difference between the effects of 50 and 100 t ha-1 of manure on BD but not on CI. Manure application reduced soil sinkage at high moisture contents (PL) but increased it at low moisture contents (0.6PL). Adding manure also reduced the BD and CI of subsoil. Repeating the passage of tractor (P2) increased compaction significantly. The significant increase in BD and CI did no occur at 0.6PL. When no manure was applied even at 0.6PL, there were limitations for trafficability, whereas this limit for 50 t ha-1 treatment was reached at 0.8PL. Results from this study indicate that the manure application at a rate of 50 t ha-1 reduces soil compactibility and increases soil moisture trafficability range.
H. R. Fooladmand, A. R. Sepaskhah, J. Niazi,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (10-2004)
Abstract
To obtain soil-moisture characteristic curve experimentally is time-consuming and usually subject to considerable errors. So, many investigators have tried to predict soil-moisture characteristic curve by different models. One of these models predicts soil moisture characteristic curve based on soil particle size distribution and bulk density. In this model, soil particle size distribution curve is divided into a number of segments, each with a specific particle radius and cumulative particle mass greater than that of the radius. Using these data, soil-moisture characteristic curve was estimated. In this model, a scale factor, α, is used which may be considered as a constant, or obtained by logistic or linear procedures. The average values of α for clay, silty clay, sandy loam, two loam soils, and two silty clay loam soils were 1.159, 1.229, 1.494, 1.391, 1.393, 1.253 and 1.254, respectively. For most conditions, soil particle size distribution curve is not available, but only the percentages of clay, silt, and sand could be obtained using soil textural data, which is not enough to draw a precise soil particle size distribution curve. In this situation, a precise soil particle size distribution curve must be initially developed on the basis of which the soil moisture characteristic curve can be predicted. In this study, using soil textural data of seven different soils, soil moisture characteristic curve of each was estimated. In these estimations, logistic and linear methods were used to obtain the α value. Then, the results were compared with those of measured soil moisture characteristic curve. For estimation of soil particle size distribution curve, two extreme values for soil particle radius, 125 and 999 m, were used. The results indicated that using particle radius of 999 µm is more appropriate. On the other hand, it was found that for clay, silty clay, and sitly clay loam texture, it is more appropriate to employ a linear equation to determine for estimating soil-moisture characteristic curve while the logistic equation can be more appropriately used for loam and sand loam textures.
H. Naghavi, M. A. Hajabbasi, M. Afyuni,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (10-2005)
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of cow manure on soil hydraulic properties and bromide leaching in a sandy loam soil (coarse loamy mixed, Typic Torrifluvents). Manure was applied at 0, 30, and 60 tha-1 at three replications in a completely random design. Three months after manure application potassium bromide (KBr) at rate of 300 Kg ha-1 Br was uniformly applied on the surface. Soil bulk density, porosity, organic matter, and soil moisture at18 levels of matric potentials were determined. Soil samples to the depth of 105 cm at 15-cm increments were collected after 100, 200 and 400 mm of irrigation. Soil bulk density, porosity, organic matter content, and soil moisture at different levels of matric potential increased significantly with manure application. Manure application also significantly affected the hydraulic parameters. Bromide leaching was significantly lower in plots with manure application and the greatest leaching occurred at the zero manure application treatment. The center of mass evaluation indicated a relatively similar result with measured values.
M. Azimee, M. Mesdaghi, M. Farahpour,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (10-2005)
Abstract
Due to the feeding on prickly shrub of Astragalus adscendes by an insect (Cyamophila dicora Loginva), a kind of the manna named Gaz-angubin is produced which it’s harvesting has a long history in Isfahan province. This manna is exclusively produced in Isfahan, Iran. In this research, a map of spatial distribution of this prickly shrub was provided. By random-systematic sample of line transects, biological criteria such as insect density, canopy coverage, branch and the soil moisture were measured. Multiple linear regression and nested design were used to analyses the response and predictor variables. The results indicated that the prickly shrub of Astragalus adscendens occupied the wet parts of mountainous areas of Isfahan and density of insect is highly related to the age, canopy coverage and soil moisture. By increasing the age of prickly shrub, the densities of insect are also increased. Regression analysis showed that the age of plant are more important in two areas of Kloseh and Lashokhm, while in Dareh-sibe area, soil moisture and the moisture of branches are more important. In other words, when the moisture is enough (e.g. Kloseh and Lashokhm areas), the age of plant has the paramount effects on insect density but when the area was suffered from drought, branches and soil moisture are more important.
H. Emami, M. Shorafa, M. R. Neyshabouri,
Volume 16, Issue 59 (4-2012)
Abstract
Direct measurement of soil unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (K(h) or K(θ)) is difficult and time-consuming, and often in many applied models, predicting hydraulic conductivity is carried out according to measurements of soil retention curve and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks). However, using KS as a matching point in many procedures may result in over-estimation of unsaturated hydraulic conductivity in dry regions. Therefore, the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity at inflection point of retention curve (Ki) and Ks was used as a matching point to predict K(h). For measurement of K(h), 30 soil samples were collected based on variety of soil texture (8 texture classes from sandy to clay) and other chemical and physical properties. In addition to Ks, K(θ) values of undisturbed samples were measured using multi-step outflow method at matric suctions of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5 0.7, 1 bar and inflection point of retention curve by using hanging water column and pressure plate. Then, the measured K(h), and water diffusivity (D(θ)) values were compared to the predicted values of van Genuchten and Brooks and Corey models (with Mualem and Burdine constraint). The results showed that for 80% of the samples, the van Genuchten–Mualem model with Ki was the best model for predicting K(h) (i.e. using Ki as a matching point in the van Genuchten–Mualem model resulted in best fitting to measured data). Also, in 6.7 % of samples (two sandy clay samples), Brooks and Corey-Mualem model with Ki and in 13.3 % soil samples (2 silty clay and 2 silty clay loam samples), van Genouchten–Mualem model had a best fitting to K(h) measured data. Furthermore, in 20 % samples (4 clay loam, and 2 silt loam textures), the accuracy and efficiency of van Genuchten–Mualem with Ki and van Genuchten–Mualem models in predicting K(h) were almost similar. According to t-Student test, the mean of RMSE and GSDER of van Genuchten–Mualem model with Ki was significantly less than van Genuchten–Mualem model at P < 0.01. In 90 percent of samples, van Genuchten-Mualem and Brooks and Corey-Burdine theory had the best fitting to the measured data of water diffusivity, but in some cases van Genuchten-Burdine model with Ki was the best model for predicting D(θ).
P. Bagheri , S. M. A. Zomorodian,
Volume 17, Issue 63 (6-2013)
Abstract
Hydraulic conductivity is an important parameter in the design of geotechnical structures such as earth dam, floor construction, retaining walls and environmental structures. In unsaturated soils, hydraulic conductivity is a function of moisture content and soil water suction i.e. soil moisture characteristic curve. In this study, the values of unsaturated hydraulic conductivity in two soil types (Ramjerdi and Molasadra core dam series) at 5 different compactions using Gardner method were measured. Then, the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity was estimated by different models using the soil moisture characteristic curve and was compared with measured values. The results showed that Fredlund and Xing models predict the soil moisture characteristic curves more accurately compared with van Genuchten model. For Ramjerdi soil series and up to nearly 0.25 volumetric water content, (VGM) and (FM) models indicated a good estimation for unsaturated soil conductivity. Also, for Molasadra core dam none of the models resulted in acceptable estimations for unsaturated hydraulic conductivity.
M. Kiani, M. Gheysari, B. Mostafazadeh-Fard, M. M. Majidi and E. Landi, , , , ,
Volume 18, Issue 67 (6-2014)
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to measure daily and seasonal evapotranspiration and daily crop coefficient of two common varieties of sunflower (Sirna and Euroflor) via drip-tape irrigation system. For this purpose, the sunflower water use was determined by daily monitoring of soil moisture at the depths of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 60 cm, and the crop evapotranspiration (ETC) was measured using volume balance method. According to the equation recommended by FAO, the obtained value of KC for Euroflor and Sirna varieties at the initial stage was 0.32. According to volume balance method, the Euroflor KC value for development, middle, and late stages were found to be 0.75, 1.18 and 0.9 and for Sirna were found to be 0.72, 1.15 and 0.84 respectively. Seasonal amount of evapotranspiration for Euroflor and Sirna varieties was equal to 601 and 575 mm, which was 26 and 30 percent less than seasonal ET0 in Isfahan. The average value of during the sunflower growing season was 0.77, which was greater than that offered by Doorenbose and Pruitt (0.55). As the crop coefficients of two varieties were different during the growing season and they were also different from FAO KC, measuring the actual amount of KC as a function of growing degree days can increase the accuracy of the estimated ETc and help develop the crop models in order to improve the irrigation management.
A. R. Vaezi, H. Hasanzadeh,
Volume 20, Issue 75 (5-2016)
Abstract
Knowledge of variation in soil properties from each event to another is very important for the determination of critical periods during which soil is susceptible to erosion processes. This study was carried out to investigate soil loss in sequential rainfall events in Zanjan Province. Toward this, ten soil textures samples were taken and were transported to small plots (60 cm×80cm) with 20-cm depth) on a 8% slope land at three replications. The plots were exposed to ten simulated rainfalls with an intensity of 55 mm h-1 for 30-min and 5-day intervals. A total of 300 simulated rainfall trials were carried out at the plots. Results indicated that soil moisture, runoff production and soil loss were significantly affected by rainfall events (P< 0.001). Increasing soil moisture and consequently decreasing soil infiltration capacity were the most crucial element in increasing runoff production and soil loss in the sequential rainfall events, in a way that about 84% of soil loss variation in the rainfall events could be explained based on antecedent soil moisture. After the fifths rainfall event, no significant differences was found in soil infiltration capacity as well as runoff production because of soil moisture reaching to the water-holding capacity. Nevertheless, an increasing trend was observed in soil loss after fifth event which could associate with presence of more erodible soil particles on the surface and consequently increasing the concentration of surface flows.
A Fararooei, M. Noshadi, S. Amin Sichani,
Volume 22, Issue 1 (6-2018)
Abstract
PCBs are persistent organic pollutants which, due to high environmental hazards, must be traced, determined, and decomposed to reduce their risks. . To detect this material in the soil, the method of extraction and appropriate measuring conditions should be investigated. Two soil samples with two kg weight were selected with two different soil textures and the solutions of soil were made with the 1000 µg/ml aroclor 1254 mixture in a GC device. . Agilent GC-MS with stationary phase (CP 7477) was used to measure aroclor 1254. The analysis of variance and the test of the extraction mean of aroclor 1254 were compared in two soil textures. The results suggested that coarse texture soil (sandy loam) had a higher extract than the fine one (silty loam). The difference was statistically significant (P< 0.01). These findings suggested that the soil texture affected the extraction of aroclor from soil. In addition, four different levels of moisture (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) produced in two soil textures and aroclor were measured. The highest level of extraction was obtained at 20% moisture, which was significantly higher than that in other levels (P< 0.01). The difference between the mean of extractions in the soil samples with 10% and 15% levels of moisture was non-significant (P> 0.05).
R. Darabi Kandlaji, Shahin Oustan, Nasser Aliasgharzad, N. Najafi,
Volume 22, Issue 3 (11-2018)
Abstract
Nitrification is one of the most active biological processes in the soils receiving ammonium nitrogen. The rate of this process is under the influence of several factors and their interactions. In this study, the effects of ammonium concentration and moisture content on the extent of nitrification in two soil samples named A (Loam) and B (Clay loam), which had been taken, respectively, from Marand and Ahar areas, were investigated. A two-week factorial incubation experiment (25±0.5°C) was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications. Factors were urea nitrogen at five levels (0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg N kg-1), moisture content at three levels (0.55FC-0.60FC, 0.75FC-0.80FC and 0.95FC-FC) and two soil types (A and B). At the end of the experiment, concentrations of ammonium and nitrate as well as the values of pH and EC were determined. Based on the results, average nitrification at 0.55FC-0.60FC was 22 percent lower than that at 0.95FC-FC and no significant difference was observed between 0.75FC-0.80FC and 0.95FC-FC. Nitrification at the treatment of 400 mg N kg-1and 0.55FC-0.60FC was decreased considerably and 25 percent of the added ammonium was accumulated. The average ammonium concentrations did not significantly vary among the levels of 50, 100 and 200 mg N kg-1, but these concentrations were significantly lower than those of 400 mg N kg-1. Moreover, EC and pH values of the soils were significantly increased and decreased in response to the nitrification (0.54 dS m-1 and 0.59 at the application level of 200 mg N kg-1, respectively). On average, the results showed higher nitrification (40.3 mg N kg-1) in the soil A (Loam texture) than the soil B (Clay loam).
Z. Amiri, M. Gheysari, M. R. Mosaddeghi, M. S. Tabatabaei, M. Moradiannezhad,
Volume 23, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract
Location of soil moisture sampling in irrigation management is of special importance due to the spatial variability of soil hydraulic characteristics and the development of root system. The objective of this study was determination of the suitable location for soil moisture sampling in drip-tape irrigation management, which is representative of the average moisture in the soil profile (θavg) as well. For this purpose, soil moisture distribution (θij) at the tassel stage of maize and one irrigation interval (68-73 day after plant) were measured at the end of season. The results showed more than 70% length of the root of plant was located in 30 cm of the soil depth. By accepting ±10% error in relation to the averaged soil moisture, some region of soil profile was determined which was in the acceptable error range and also near the averaged soil moisture (0.9θavg<θRec<1.1θavg). By overlapping θRec in one irrigation interval, the appropriate location for soil moisture sampling was the horizontal distance from drip-tape line to 20 cm and the depth of 10-20 cm from the soil surface. To determine the appropriate place for soil moisture sampling, the development of root system and the maximum concentrated root length density in the soil profile extracting the maximal soil moisture should be taken in to account, parallel with the averaged soil moisture.
R Ghazavi, E. Omidvar, H. Jeyhoni,
Volume 23, Issue 3 (12-2019)
Abstract
One of the important elements in mechanized irrigation is to know the relation between suction force (matric force) and soil moisture, which is referred to as moisture curve. The shape and coefficients of this curve are influenced by the texture and structure of the soil and can change with soil structure modification. The most important goals of this study were to evaluate the effect of using zeolite on water holding capacity and coefficients of moisture curve patterns of two sandy and loamy soil texture, the effect of using zeolite on the shape and soil moisture curve coefficients based on various models, some of them so far in Iran, zeolite was added to soils at levels of consumption (2, 5 and 10%). The moisture content of each soil was determined at various points in 12 points using a Dicagon machine. Soil moisture curve coefficients using software and fittings of six Brooks and Corey models, Kosugi, Durner, Fredlund and Xing, VanGenuchten and Seki. The results indicate that in all models, the parameter value increases with the use of zeolite and increase the level of use. Water storage capacity also increases with the use of zeolite. Other results showed that the best model for estimating the moisture curve of laryngeal and sandy soils of the Darren model is weakest and the weakest models in the lush soils of the broccoli model and Kasughi model and in the sandy soil of the Brooksouli model Blindness and model-gnuchten Shand.
N. Karimi, L. Gholami, A. Kavian,
Volume 23, Issue 3 (12-2019)
Abstract
The using of soil conditioners to water and soil conservation is essential and also, the effect study of soil moisture on the soil conservation process and its role on changing runoff, soil erosion and sediment yield is necessary for understanding and simulating the hydrologic response of soil. Therefore, the present study was carried with the aim of investigating the effect of biochar with amount of 1.6 t ha-1 on the components of time to runoff, runoff volume, runoff coefficient, soil loss and sediment concentration in different soil moisture including air-dried, 15, 20 and 30 percent with three replications in plot scale. The results showed that after application of biochar conditioner, time to runoff compared with control treatment at soil moistures of air-dried of 15, 20 and 30 percent happened later 66.66, 186.6, 150.5, and 475.47 respectively. The results also showed that the runoff volume at soil moistures of air-dried of 15, 20 and 30 percent decreased 44.49, 55.65, 36.47 and 41.08 percent, respectively, and the runoff coefficient reduced 55.71, 66.39, 48.44 and 37.82 percent, respectively. The adding biochar caused the decreasing soil loss with rates of 91.19, 85.055, 85.63 and 88.066 percent, respectively, and the sediment concentration with amounts of 84.19, 66.53, 76.57 and 79.59 percent, respectively. Also the results showed that the changes of soil moisture had the significant effect on changing the time to runoff, runoff volume, and soil loss and sediment concentration in level of 99 percent.
F. Hadian, R. Jafari, H. Bashari, M. Tarkesh,
Volume 23, Issue 4 (12-2019)
Abstract
Soil moisture is one of the most important factors that can affect productivity in ecosystems in arid and semiarid regions. The aim of this study was to investigate soil moisture and vegetation changes in the Isfahan province at the seasonal scale. For this purpose, MODIS Land Surface Temperature (LST) and NDVI data were used to calculate the TVDI index, and the rate of soil moisture content was also measured at several soil depths including 5, 10, 20, 30 cm. in the growing season. Seasonal changes of LST and NDVI indices were also studied in different climate regions ranging from humid to hyperarid. The results showed that the changes in NDVI and LST in this region were different, depending on the climate type and soil conditions; the LST and its changes mostly depended on the amount of vegetation cover NDVI changes based on the plant phenology in humid regions, which was were greater than that in arid and semi-arid climates. Soil moisture monitoring indicated that the relationships between TDVI and different soil depths varied based on the seasonal conditions. In the early growing season, the soil moisture at the depth of 0-5 cm had a higher correlation with TVDI, but in the middle of growing season, the deeper soil moisture (10-30 cm) showed the highest correlation. Therefore, the findings of this research indicated the importance of the growing season, soil conditions and vegetation percentage and types in the soil moisture studies by using satellite data.
B. Torabi Farsani, M. Afyuni,
Volume 25, Issue 1 (5-2021)
Abstract
Compost leachate is a liquid resulting from physical, chemical and biological decomposition of organic materials. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of leachate compost on the physical, hydraulic and soil moisture characteristic curves. Also, the effect of leachate on the aerial organ fresh weight of corn was investigated. Leachate was added to clay loam and sandy clay loam soils at the rate of zero, 1.25 and 2.5 weight percent. The soil water characteristic curve and the estimation of the parameters of the van Gnuchten and Brooks and Corey models were performed using RETC software. Leachate increased the bulk density and decreased the available water of the clay loam soil. Only 1.25% of the leachate increased the available water in the sandy clay loam soil. Two levels of leachate decreased the bulk density of sandy clay loam soil. Leachate decreased the saturation hydraulic conductivity of the clay loam and increased this parameter of sandy clay loam soil. Leachate was more successful in increasing the aerial organ fresh weight of corn in the sandy clay loam soil. Therefore, leachate was more useful in sandy clay loam than in clay loam soil, and 1.25% treatment was better in the sandy clay loam soil. Also, the used leachate increased the repellency of both soils. Leachate caused the parameters of van Gnuchten and Brooks and Corey models to increase, as compared to the control in both soils.
F. Saniesales, S. Soltani, R. Modarres,
Volume 25, Issue 2 (9-2021)
Abstract
Several indices are used for drought identification and quantification. In this paper, the new Standardized Palmer Drought index (SPDI) was introduced and then the drought condition of Chaharmahal-Va-Bakhtiari Province was studied using this index. For this study, 11 synoptic, climatology, and evaporation meteorology stations were selected. Essential information in this investigation includes monthly temperature, monthly precipitation, and soil moisture measurement. To estimate SPDI, moisture departure, was first calculated on a monthly time scale. Then, converted to cumulative moisture departure values in different time scales including 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months. The best statistical distribution (GEV) was then fitted to cumulative departure. These values were then standardized to have the SPDI. The results showed that, as soil moisture affects SPDI estimation, it will be more valid for analyzing and monitoring drought conditions, especially for agricultural drought. Also, the results showed that 2000, 2001, and 2008 years were the driest time in this Province from 1988 to 2012. Moreover, drought frequency was found out in the western half of the Province more than in the other parts.
A. Vaezi, E. Zarrinabadi, Y. Salehi,
Volume 25, Issue 3 (12-2021)
Abstract
The effective use of rainwater is a key issue in agricultural development in arid and semi-arid regions. The tillage system as an important soil management measure can affect the rainwater retention, soil moisture content, and in consequence crop yield in rainfed lands. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of slope gradient and tillage direction on rainwater use efficiency (RWUE) in rainfed lands in Zanjan Province. The field experiment was performed in five slope gradients (12.6, 15.3, 17, 19.4, and 22%) and two tillage directions (along slope and on contour tillage) at two replications. Mass soil water content was determined at 5-day intervals and runoff was measured after rainfalls. Wheat grain yield was determined for each plot and RWUE was computed using the proportion of wheat grain yield and precipitation. Base on the results, runoff, soil moisture, wheat grain yield, and RWUE were affected by tillage directions, so that runoff in contour line tillage decreased about 6.4 times compared to along slope tillage and in consequence increased soil moisture, wheat grain yield, and RWUE about 8.7, 24.8, and 24.8%, respectively. Increasing runoff production in contour line tillage at steeper slopes was associated with a lower capacity of cultivated furrows that strongly declined soil water retention and negatively affected wheat grain yield and RWUE in the lands. This study revealed that the efficiency of the contour tillage in water retention and RWUE decreases in steeper slopes in rainfed lands.
R. Jafari, H. Sanati,
Volume 25, Issue 3 (12-2021)
Abstract
The southern regions of Kerman Province have repeatedly encountered dust storms. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify dust sources using effective parameters such as vegetation cover, land surface temperature, soil moisture, soil texture, and slope as well as to detect dust storms originating from these regions based on 31 MODIS images in 2016 and SRTM data. After normalizing parameters, the dust source map was prepared by fuzzy logic and assessed with an error matrix and available dust source map. Results showed that 30.5% of the study area was classified as a low source of dust, 39.55% as moderate, and 29.85% as severe-very severe. The overall accuracy of the produced map was about 70% and the producer and user accuracy of the severe-very severe class was more than 87%. The detection of dust storms originated from the identified dust sources also confirmed a crisis situation in the region. Due to the repeatability and continuity of obtained dust source map at pixel scale, it can be used to update available dust source maps and manage dust crisis in the region, properly.
A.r. Vaezi, S. Rezaeipour, M. Babaakbari, F. Azarifam,
Volume 27, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Improving soil physical properties and increasing water retention in the soil are management strategies in soil and water conservation and enhancing crop yield in rainfed lands. This study was conducted to investigate the role of tillage direction and wheat stubble mulch level in improving soil physical properties in rainfed land in Zanjan province. A field experiment was done at two tillage directions: up to the downslope and contour line, and five stubble mulch levels: zero, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of land cover equal to 6 tons per hectare. A total of 30 plots (2 m×5 m) were created. The results indicated that water infiltration and water content were considerably affected by tillage direction, whereas its effect on water holding capacity was not significant. This physical property of the soil was influenced by the inherent properties of the soil, including particle size distribution. The change of up to down tillage direction to the contour line increased soil infiltration to 11% and water content to 6%. The physical soil properties were wholly influenced by mulch consumption. Soil water content increased in mulch treatments along with water holding capacity and infiltration rate. The highest volumetric water content was at 100% mulch level (10.62%) which was 11% more than the control treatment. However, there was no significant difference between 100% and 75% mulch treatment. This revealed that the application of 75% stubble mulch in contouring tillage is a substantial strategy for improving soil physical properties and controlling water loss in rainfed lands of semi-arid regions.
