The influence of different soil vegetation covers onto the volumetric water content in upper soil layers

Abstract

The influence of different vegetation cover of the set aside land on the volumetric water content VWC (%) and its variations during the day in upper soil layers (5 and 15 cm) using the TDR method was observed in 15 min intervals from May to August in 2002 and 2003. A spontaneous fallow was established in autumn 2001 and plots with artificial revegetation sowed with grass-legume mixture of Dactylis polygama Horv. and Trifolium repens L. in spring 2002. The experimental plots were mulched twice during the vegetation period. VWC (%) was registered in the same time also on bare ground. The control plot was sown with crops (Brassica napus L. - 2002 and Triticum aestivum L. - 2003) and regular tillage using ploughing was applied. The highest values of VWC (%) during observed period were recorded on bare ground. The values of VWC (%) on set aside soil with vegetation cover and on control plot were lower. The lowest values of VWC (%) were recorded in 5 cm depth on plot sowed with grass-legume mixture of D. polygama and T. repens. Values of VWC (%) on spontaneous fallow were lower in depth of 15 cm compared to the 5 cm depth. The highest variation of daily VWC (%) run was recorded on bare ground.