Basic Knowledge in Agriculture #70
What is Mulching?
Mulching is a farming and gardening procedure through which a protective blank of material is put over a top of the soil where the plants are growing. The material of this layer can be made out of natural (organic) or synthetic (inorganic) materials: plastic sheets or stones, leaves, or compost. The main purpose of the mulching is the protection of the ground and bettering of growing conditions of plants.
Mulching staves off the loss of moisture, weeds and roots of plants getting hit by extreme temperatures are averted since it covers up the soil. It is normally used in farmlands, home gardens, orchards and landscaping. Mulching does not only contribute to growth of plants in healthy ways, but also contributes to quality of soils with time especially when organic materials are used.
Disadvantages of Mulching? Why is it Better?
It has many advantages to soil and plants in mulching. The best benefits are wetness. Mulch layer slows down the rate of evaporation and causes the soil to hold plenty of water in a prolonged period. This destroys the need to do regular watering especially during dry or hot weather.
Another important positive consequence is the weeds control. Mulch also denies the weeds the sunlight hence they cannot germinate and grow. This is to help crops to acquire more nutrients and water without competition.
Mulching also helps in regulating soil temperature. It shades the soil in hot climate and shelters and adds warmth during the cold weather. Organic mulches will decompose and release nutrients to the soil which will become more fertile and attractive to the microorganisms.
In addition to this, mulching stops soil erosion by wind and rain. It prevents development of soil compaction and improves the overall texture of soil, and hence plant roots develop easily.
Which are the different types of Mulching?
There are two major types of mulching namely organic and inorganic.
Some of the materials that come under the category of organic mulching include straws, dry leaves, grass clippings, compost, bark, wood chips and crop residues. With time, these materials are biodegradable that enriches the soil by provision of nutrients to the soil and improving the texture of the soil. They are environmental friendly and they are highly used in agriculture and garden.
Inorganic mulching Inorganic mulch contains plastic sheets, landscape fabric, stones, gravel and rubber mulch. Plastic mulch is also especially in commercial farming sector as it assists in the weeds, loss of moisture is avoided and the yield of crops is increased. It however does not increase soil fertility.
Another is the so called living mulch whereby the crops are planted among low cover plants like clover to cover the ground. The method will minimize soil erosion and increase the natural soil health.
Concisely, mulching is a simple yet an effective practice that enhances the quality of the soil used, reduces water consumption, weed, and promotes the growth of plants that are greener.
Thanks for reading my post I'm inviting @pea07 @ninapenda and @josepha to participate.