Soil temperature management

• Soil temperature is not under the control of man but can be regulated to some degrees.
• We can modify the soil temperature factors and some of the environmental factors. E.g. change in moisture content and structure can alter K and consequently thermal diffusivity and actual soil temperature. An adjustment of surface roughness, the moisture content and the color of soil modify the heat absorption and reflection of heat.
• The moisture tension level of soil surface will influence the rate of evaporation or condensation and thus cool or heat the soil.
• Most importance and effective means for influencing temperature is the use of mulches.
• Vegetation shaded the soil and also absorbs solar energy for photosynthesis and respiration.