ABSTRACT
Mulch is a cover placed over the soil to modify energy and water fluxes and to protect the soil in target areas. In agriculture and gardening, the main purposes of mulching are to modulate the soil temperature, control weed germination by reducing sunlight on the soil surface, preserve soil moisture, and control erosion. In post-fire rehabilitation, mulches are primarily intended to reduce rain impact and overland flow and keep the soil in place. Mulches are considered emergency hillslope treatments, which are regarded as a first line of defense against post-fire erosion and off-site impacts of sediments and floods.
