ABSTRACT
A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of organic
matters addition and water stress on some soil thermal properties.
Experimental field, located in the Desert Research Center station in Ras
Sudr, South Sinai governorate. Three rates (5, 10 and 15 ton/fed) were
used of chicken manure and compost. Three levels of irrigation water
(40, 60 and 80% from available water) were applied using drip irrigation
system for planted Pearl millet (Pennisetum Glaucum L.). The soil
temperature was recorded and moisture content was determined for three
soil depths at 0-5, 5-10 and 10-15 cm, during July, August and
September months. Heat content was calculated in Calories for each soil
depth. The results showed that, the addition of organic matters (chicken
manure and compost) caused to decrease in the soil temperature during
July and August, and they had an opposite reaction during September as
they caused to increase the soil temperature. Organic matters act as a
buffer to changes in soil temperature. Organic matters (chicken manure
and compost) affects the soil temperature and soil heat content. Since
organic matter absorb and retain moisture so the soil treated with it has
high amounts of moisture. Therefore, the use of organic matters is a
source of moisture, and as such, it is recommended that farmers should
know how to effectively manipulate organic matters to ensure that
moisture is maintained even during dry spells. This is important because
it helps farmers manage soil under the influence of climate change