[Objective] The effects of different materials covering urban bare soil were studied to provide the guidance and basis in theory for urban bare soil amendment and ecological beautification.[Methods] The bare soil with different types of coverings

including wood chips

garden waste

pebbles

ceramsite

organic mulching mats

mulching with two layers(upper garden waste

lower garden waste compost)

were designed

and the bare soil without mulch was control. Soil physical and chemical properties were measured after one year.[Results] In general

all mulching treatments could affect soil physical and chemical properties in different soil layers. The effects on the layer of 0-10 cm were stronger than on the layer of 10-20 cm. However

the effects would be gradually weakened as extended time. Soil moisture could be improved by the treatments of pebbles and ceramsite. Soil bulk density was reduced and soil porosity was increased by the treatments of wood chips and mulching with two layers. The treatments of mulching with two layers and garden waste could also significantly reduce soil pH value. Organic mulching materials could increase soil organic matter and available nutrients in both layers. The effects of the mulching with two layers and the garden wastes were better than that of other treatment. Soil content of available nitrogen

available phosphorus and available potassium of with mulching with two layers and the garden wastes were 56.63%

85.73%

224.52% and 48.66%

63.11%

25.00% greater than in bare soil without mulch. The continuity of nutrient supply was better for the treatment of the mulching with two layers and the organic pad.[Conclusion] The treatment of mulching with two layers was the better choice to amend bare soil in cities. It is of realistic popularization significance in the construction of sponge city and green city.