Influences of high-reflective mulching membrane coupled with a drip sub-irrigation system on temperature and humidity of the soil

The present study deals with an original application of RR materials to the agriculture sector, evaluating the effectiveness of a highreflective mulching membrane treated with glass micro-spheres and coupled with a drip sub-irrigation system. An experimental facility, in which this technology is exploited, has been set up in Perugia (Italy). Influences of the mulching membrane on hygrothermal properties of the soil were evaluated through humidity and temperature sensors during the monitoring campaign. Data from unmulched field section was used as a reference case. The effectiveness of this technology was evaluated by focusing on three days that are representative of as much weather conditions. The monitoring campaign conducted from April to May 2021 has demonstrated that the high-reflective mulching membrane can reduce the temperature and relative humidity fluctuations throughout the day. In addition, the mulching membrane can reduce the soil temperature at different depths (i.e. 0.05 m, 0.10 m, and 0.15 m). The highest soil temperature reduction was found equal to 8.95°C at 0.15 m. Basing on such preliminary results, a more detailed and extended monitoring campaign will be performed in summer conditions.