Lesson 4.1 MULCH - conservation of soil moisture

 

FOOD FOREST COURSE 

AGRO-ECONOMY  Lesson 4.1 

MULCH - conservation of soil moisture

Mulches are used for various agricultural and gardening purposes when they are applied to the soil surface.  Properly used, they benefit plant growth and minimise garden labour.  The main functions of mulches are the conservation of soil moisture and the moderation of soil temperature.  They moderate internal soil temperatures by retaining heat from the day and radiating it to the soil at night during spring and autumn.  In winter mulches moderate soil warming during the day, limiting the stress plants undergo during soil cooling at night, or in some areas freezing and thawing cycles.  They are also used to prevent frost damaging young plants in winter.  

During summer, mulches keep soil cool by blocking direct sunlight exposure of the soil surface and they are used to block evaporation of water from the soil, slowing down soil drying.  They also help control the growth of weeds, blocking sunlight and/or smothering weed seedlings under layers of material.

Mulch also reflects sunlight back from the ground to the leaves of plants and also provide a clean and dry surface for fruit fall.  They prevent soil erosion from heavy rains, surface run-off of water, and the direct impact of hard rains on the soil surface.  Some mulches improve soil texture as they add humus.  Mulch will add nutrients to the soil as they break down and decay. As it is incorporated into the soil it creates air spaces and surfaces for fungi and root growth.

 While mulching may improve the growth of various plants by directly manipulating the plant's micro-climate, mulch can also improve growth as an effective means of pest control.  Various forms of mulch deter herbivorous insects and increase the numbers of beneficial insects. Text from the roots, Elisabeth Ferkonia (Aus.) PDC studied with Bill Mollison.





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