*7.2.3 Regulation of soil temperature*

Mulching helps to maintain soil temperature stability, which is beneficial to crop growth and development. Studies have shown that mulch can keep the soil cool during extremely hot weather as well as during normal or warm temperatures. Extreme temperatures have a negative impact on newly emerging plant roots, limiting nutrition and water intake. Plants may be stressed as a result of the extreme temperature conditions under which they grow, and newly established roots may be unable to absorb the proper amount of water and essential plant nutrients [30]. Various types of mulch have different effects on soil temperature. Some mulches increase the soil temperature as compared to bare soil due to the absorption of solar radiation. Moreover, it has been observed that plastic-film mulch and organic mulch materials are better at maintaining a favorable soil temperature compared to other mulch materials.
