The indexing of self-mulching behavior in soils

Abstract

Past work on self-mulching behaviour in soils has produced numeration o various components of this behaviour, but no explicitly defined and tested index of self-mulching has emerged, with the exception of Grant and Blackmore's ISM (Aust. J. Soil Res. 1991, 29, 155-73). Grant and Blackmore's index is not obviously based on mechanisms of self-mulching and is to this extent called into question. An index involving the actual dynamics of soil structural regeneration is required, and so procedures for a dynamically based index, SMI, have been developed and values of this compared with those of ISM. A high degree of correlation was found and it is concluded that both measures are valid and that the choice for use can be based primarily upon whether a static or dynamic assessment of self-mulching structure is required.