RESEARCHING THE EFFECTS OF MULCHING ON COOL-PERIOD SOIL-EROSION CONTROL IN PRINCE-EDWARD-ISLAND, CANADA

Base data from laboratory and field experiments in Prince Edward Islan d (P.E.I.), Canada, have shown that mulching at the traditional rate o f about 4 t/ha of straw significantly reduces cool-season erosion. To determine whether or not this rate of mulching is optimal, a series of experiments was launched. The first of these examined the effects of mulching rates of 2, 4, 6 and 8 t/ha of straw on slopes of 5%, 7%, and 9% on runoff and erosion. Results show that sediment loss is signific antly greater at 2 t/ha of straw than at 4 t/ha, but that there is no advantage in sediment control above the traditional mulching rate of 4 t/ha of straw.