Effects of Straw Mulching on Soil Physicochemical Properties in Saemangeum Reclaimed Land

To identify the effects of straw mulching on soil physicochemical properties in reclaimed saline soil, field experiment was conducted for 3 years (2010~2012) in Saemangeum reclaimed land. Soil series of the experimental field was Munpo and soil texture was fine sandy loam. The experiment was conducted at a field with EC of $2.4dS\;m^{-1}$ (field I) and the other field with EC of $5.6dS\;m^{-1}$ (field II). Each experimental field was treated with rye straw incorporation, mulching with rye straw and control. In 2010 rye straw produced from other field was used for the experiment and in 2011~2012 rye straw cultivated at the same experimental field was used. After rye straw application, soybean was cultivated. After 3 years field experiment, by rye straw incorporation, soil salinity decreased from $2.4dS\;m^{-1}$ to $0.6dS\;m^{-1}$ at field I but increased from $5.6dS\;m^{-1}$ to $7.6dS\;m^{-1}$ at field II. By mulching with rye straw soil salinity decreased from $2.4dS\;m^{-1}$ to $0.5dS\;m^{-1}$ at field I and also decreased from $5.6dS\;m^{-1}$ to $0.5dS\;m^{-1}$ at field II. By rye straw incorporation and mulching soil organic matter increased from $2g\;kg^{-1}$ to $4g\;kg^{-1}$. At field I yields of soybean were similar between rye straw incorporation and mulching but at field II yield of soybean increased apparently by mulching with rye straw compared to rye straw incorporation and control.