MLs were installed in three replicated mulching treatments (bare soil, and geotextile and pine bark with a 10 cm thickness) at two positions (tree rows and emitter laterals) completely shaded by the trees. Two MLs were installed in each position. Thus, each treatment had 12 MLs. The cylindrical MLs were made of white polyethylene with 80 mm outside diameter, 76 mm inside diameter, and 100 mm height. In the upper part of the ML a wire handle was incorporated to facilitate its periodic extraction from the holes made in each position.