[Objective] Mulching effects of different organic materials on evaporation and soil moisture content were studied to identify the best material for moisture retention.[Methods] The simulated evaporation analyses were conducted with garden waste in various particle sizes (M1:0~1 cm

M2:1~3 cm

M3:3~5 cm). In addition the barrel control experiments were carried out with M2

wood chips (M4)

and bark (M5).[Results] Garden waste in various particle sizes could reduce daily evaporation of soil moisture. After 14 days of continuous evaporation

the cumulative evaporation capacity of M2 (1~3 cm in size)

M1 (0~1 cm)

M3 (3~5 cm) and CK (control) were 193.0

269.5

304.0 and 1 037.0 g

respectively

which were 81.4%

74.0% and 70.7% lower than those of CK. The soil moisture content of different layers were increased by covering with different organic materials

except for the rainy season

which were wood chips (M4)

bark (M5) and garden waste (M2) from high to low. The annual change of soil moisture content under various mulching layers showed a similar bimodal trend

with a low soil moisture content in the period from April to May while a high soil moisture content in the period from June to August. The annual average of soil moisture content within the 0-40 cm soil layer of M4

M5

M2 and CK were 32.9%

30.3%

27.4%

and 26.8%

respectively.[Conclusion] Wood chips are the best materials for moisture conservation

followed by bark and garden waste.