Basic Knowledge in Agriculture #62

Before I begin this write-up, permit me to bring up a relatable situation in the tropical countries. In the tropical countries, we experience different weather conditions ranging from rainfall to high intensity of sunlight. When the latter comes in, we notice that the soil is usually dried up. This situation gives the crops planted with lack of soil water for proper growth. That's why a method can help was founded and used by farmers. Let's see this farming practice together.

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Mulching refers to a farming practice where a protective layer of fallen leaves and other composts are spread around the top soil. Someone might ask a question "why is this protective layer spread on the soil?" In my answer, I'll say that this protective layer helps to conserve soil water. This is where the illustration of the tropical countries comes in. Mulching is like a prevention of drought in the tropical countries so that crops can survive adverse weather conditions.

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In the farming practice of mulching, there are different types of mulching which I'd mention them here:

• Organic Mulches: This Mulches is derived from the natural materials or plants that can decompose. Leaving them on the soil stimulate their rotting process which also enhanced soil fertility. Materials used in this type of mulching are shredded leaves, hay, straw, etc.
• Inorganic Mulches: This type of mulching utilizes the use of materials that don't decompose solely for the purpose of water retention and long-term weed suppression. Items like plastic sheeting, landscape fabric, etc can be used in this situation.

• Mulching helps to conserve moisture in the soil. The mulching items act like a blanket to preserve the moisture or soil water.
• Mulching especially inorganic mulching helps to block and suppress weed growth on a long-term scale. Since weed is not needed in a farm, mulching also helps to eliminate them.
• It also acts as an insulator which helps to reduce soil temperature keeping it cooler in hot weather conditions.

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• Pests can easily find their way into the soil because of the mulches.
• Disease can be introduced to the soil through the mulching materials.
• The rotting of the mulches can cause oxygen concentration problems to the soil.

I invite @bossj23, @kidi40 and @alexanderpeace to this contest.