Wood chip question 2

Hi Sandra, I saw the previous question posted about the wood chip, I am also confused. I agree that wood chips(organic) has high porosity and low Cv, but according to UBC wiki "soils with high Cv are buffered against temperature change." It seems like organic wood chips will not help avoid the rapid fluctuations in soil temperature (which I don't think is true.)

User:Becca (talk)‎

Becca, consider thermal diffusivity in relation to subsurface temperature changes; thermal admittance relates to surface temperature changes.

1st be clear that in this question there is an organic layer (wood chips) overlying the mineral soil. The question (#4) asks how the organic layer on top of the mineral soil will impact the temperature of the mineral soil (in winter). Consider whether or not, the "heat" lost from the mineral soil in winter will be less, the same or greater with an organic mulch on top; and why?

SandraBrown (talk)‎