Mulching Effects on Soil Greenhouse Gas Emission in Agricultural Systems

Abstract

Agricultural activities are among the most important sources of atmo-spheric GHGs that are the primary causes of adverse climate changes. Therefore, efforts must be made to reduce GHGs source capacities of different agricultural activ-ities, including agronomic management practices. Due to associated benefits such as weed control, reduced irrigation and fertilizer demands, and improved nutrient and water use efficiency, soil surface mulching is gaining popularity especially plastic film mulch. Biomass residues and plastic film, the two most common materials used in soil mulching, may have similar benefits as mulch but differ significantly in their effects on soil physicochemical properties and GHGs-producing biochem-ical processes. This chapter discussed the impacts of plastic film and crop residue mulching approaches on GHGs emissions in upland and paddy cropping systems under different management strategies. The literature suggests that surface mulches shift GHGs emission rates by altering soil physicochemical properties, including soil moisture, temperature, pH, redox potential, and nutrients. A few studies included changes in the microbial community responsible for the producing and consuming of GHGs in soil, suggesting the complex role of surface mulching.