Basic Knowledge in Agriculture #80
What is Mulching?
Mulching. It is the process in both agriculture and horticulture of applying an additional cover layer of material over a plant's soil surface. It is kind of like the natural blanket you are throwing over your garden's soil. The cover layer can consist of organic material. Organic materials used can be woodchips, bark, compost, shredded leaves, straw etc. It can also consist of inorganic material. Inorganic material used can be landscape fabric, plastic sheeting, gravel etc.
In a natural setting like the forest floor, mulch forms as and when trees and plants shed their leaves, and branches to fall and slowly decompose on top of the earth beneath the plant canopy. In agriculture this is essentially something that we try to replicate to ensure our roots receive a stable, healthy environment to thrive. Mulch is typically applied around our trees, shrubs, plants and flowers, with an inch or two gap left between the mulch and the stem of the plant in order to help prevent rotting.
The Importance of Mulching
Retains soil moisture levels
The very first benefit you can notice by applying mulch around your plants is the great level of moisture retention it gives your soil. In a naturally dry setting where there is little rain to provide adequate water to plant roots, mulch will prevent these roots from becoming dry. It will give your plants moisture through all of the dry weathers and reduce the frequency of how often you have to water them.
Reduces and suppresses weeds
Mulch helps reduce the occurrence of weeds which could compete for nutrients and space. This is because light can’t get to the weed seeds and sprout properly, or they may not be as strong in the soil.
Controls the soil's temperature
Insulates and regulates soil temperature-just like a natural blanket mulch is a regulator. In the summer the cool mulch will keep your plant's roots cold. In the winter the cold mulch will prevent your roots from freezing or thawing constantly.
Improves soil and prevents erosion-
Organic material, through decomposition will revert back to your plant’s soil. Humus, the product, will nourish your plant's roots. Hard rain can wear down your plant's top soil. The layer of mulch will prevent the top soil from being washed away.
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