What is mulching? Let us try to clarify this term using the following example. Under the trees and shrubs, a layer of fallen leaves, decaying branches and dry grass naturally forms. These organic residues protect the soil from drying out, weathering and erosion. Under cultivated plants, such a layer does not have time to form, so you have to use special agricultural technology, called mulching.
Covering the soil on beds, flower beds, under bushes and fruit trees with an artificial protective layer - this is what mulching is. At the same time, the selected area can be completely covered with mulch, and only in the aisles. In addition to protecting the soil layer from washing out by rain, weathering and sudden changes in temperature, mulching can reduce the amount of watering, since moisture is better stored in the soil, and get rid of heavy weeding. Mulch prevents the development of weeds that lack sunlight under an opaque material, so the beds remain clean. In addition, after watering, there is no drying out hard crust. Mulching is actively used in arid places where it is difficult to otherwise maintain a sufficient amount of moisture in the soil.
A variety of materials can be used as mulch. All of them can be divided into two types: inorganic and organic. The first group includes roofing felt, roofing felt, a film for mulching (black or color, but not transparent) and other artificial materials. As organic mulch, sawdust, tree bark, mowed green grass, straw, fallen leaves, needles, compost and even newsprint can be used. Different cultures prefer their covering material. Organic mulch is also good because in the process of decay it becomes a nutrient layer for plants.
What is mulching garden trees and shrubs? With a layer of mulch cover the circle of earth around them and the paths. For this, you can use long-acting organics, for example, needles or sawdust. Gravel will do. Raspberries, for example, can be covered with sawdust. Mulching with wood bark also carries a decorative function, which is why it is often used in landscape design.
The easiest mulching of the lawn is not to remove the mowed grass. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that an overly dense layer is formed that is capable of decaying during rains, some fungus may form in it. Therefore, lawns should be cleaned with a rake at least three times a year.
Mulching is often used when growing berries and vegetables. Typically, a black film is used for these purposes, in which holes for the plants are cut. From the film it is much more convenient to collect clean berries than from the ground, especially after rain. But tomatoes, for example, prefer red film, and cabbage - white.
Now that you have a little understanding of what mulching is and what undoubted benefit it brings, you can start choosing the right mulch for the crop that will grow on your site.