Effects of mulch on soil moisture and growth of desert willow

Abstract

The objective of this research was to consider the effects of gravel, wood chip, and tire mulches and turf on soil moisture and root and shoot growth of Chilopsis linearis (Cav.) 'Burgundy' (desert willow). Gravel, wood chip, and tire mulches retained greater soil moisture than bare soil (control) with little difference in soil moisture between the mulches. Mulched trees and bare soil had greater height and shoot and root dry weights than trees in turf. Turf conserved soil moisture better than bare soil but appeared to compete with desert willow for water and nutrients resulting in less growth. Trees with gravel and tire mulches had greater shoot dry weight in the second year of growth and greater root dry weight, root length, and root area in both the first and second years of growth after transplanting.