SPATIAL SOIL TEMPERATURE REGIME UNDER TRANSPARENT POLYETHYLENE MULCH

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Abstract
A two-dimensional numerical model for predicting the spatial soil temperature regime under transparent polyethylene mulch has been developed. The model takes into consideration weather conditions as well as soil characteristics. The results indicate that soil heating at the edges of the mulch is lower than at the center, and thus a narrow mulch provides less efficient heating than a wider mulch. The predicted results agree well with the observed data. This model enables us to determine the optimal size of mulch with respect to weather conditions, soil characteristics, and particular plant or agricultural requirements.