MULCHING MEANING- TYPES & USAGE
What is Mulch & Mulching?
Mulching is the process of applying natural or artificial layer of plant residue or other materials on the soil surface. In other words it may be defined as protective covering, as of bark chips, straw, or plastic sheeting, placed on the ground around plants to suppress weed growth, retain soil moisture, or prevent freezing of roots.
Mulch- A mulch is a layer of material applied to the surface of soil. It conserves soil moisture, improve fertility and health of the soil and reduce weed growth. However, mulches are used for various reasons but in agriculture, mainly used for water conservation and erosion control in dry areas.
Usage
many materials are used as mulches. They are applied to the soil surface, around trees, paths; flower beds etc. They are applied at various times of the year depending on the purpose. Towards the beginning of the growing season, mulches serve initially to warm the soil by helping it retain heat which is lost during the night. This allows early seeding and transplanting of certain crops, and encourages faster growth. As the season progresses, mulch stabilize the soil temperature and moisture, and prevent the growing of weeds from seeds. Mulch layers are normally 2 inches or deeper when applied. Overall the main usage is as follows:
- Retain soil moisture
- Regulate soil temperature
- suppress weed growth
- Aesthetics
- Reduce soil erosion
- Prevent freezing of roots
Materials used in mulches
Materials used as mulches vary according to the purpose. They are-
- Organic residues: Grasses, leaves, hay, straw, shredded bark, sawdust, shells, woodchips, newspaper, cardboard, wool, animal manure, etc.
- Compost: Materials that are free of seeds are ideally used, to prevent weeds being introduced by the mulch.
- Old carpet (synthetic or natural)
- Rubbers
- Plastic mulch
- Rock and gravels
Types of mulches
- Organic Mulches- Commonly available organic mulches are leaves, grass clippings, peat moss, wood chips, bark chips, straw, carpet etc. Organic mulches decay over time and are temporary. The way particular organic mulch decomposes and reacts to wetting by rain and dew affects its usefulness. Stubble and straw mulches are come in this category.
- Soil mulch or dust mulch- If the soil surface is loosened, it acts as mulch for reducing evaporation. Inter cultivation creates soil or dust mulch in growing crops.
- Colored mulch- such types of mulches are wavelength selective and are used to absorb some wavelength from solar radiation and maintain leaf temperature. Thus these helps in plant growth and development.
- Plastic mulch- some plastic materials like polyethylene and polypropylene are used. Polyethylene is used mainly for weed reduction, while polypropylene is used mainly on perennials.This mulch is placed on top of the soil and can be done by machine or hand with pegs to keep the mulch tight against the soil. This mulch can prevent soil erosion, reduce wedding, conserve soil moisture, and increase temperature of the soil.
- Biodegradable mulch– These are plant starches and sugars or polyester fibers which come from plants such as wheat and corn. These mulch films may be a bit more permeable allowing more water into the soil. This mulch can prevent soil erosion, reduce wedding, conserve soil moisture, and increase temperature of the soil.
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