Mulches

A mulch is a covering layer of material applied over the surface of land. The layer of mulch creates a buffer between the soil and aerial environment. Mulches are used for many different functions and may be composed of many different materials (see Table 8.1 on page 139). The functions of mulches include water conservation, weed control, temperature regulation, erosion control, and ornament, among other things. Commonly recognized mulching materials include straw, hay, composts, sawdust, wood chips, and bark. Plastics of varying colors also are well-known agricultural mulches. Lesser-known materials are paint, gravel, stones, aluminum foil, paper, and carpeting. An organic mulch is a layer of organic matter covering the surface of the land. A dust mulch is created by tilling the surface of soil to create a layer of loose soil on top of the ground.

Table 8.1 Mulches and their uses and some examples of materials for the uses https://www.niso.org/standards/z39-96/ns/oasis-exchange/table"> Function Materials Water conservation Straw, hay, sawdust, woodchips, composts, manures, dust, plastic Weed control Straw, sawdust, woodchips, leaves, black plastic, paper, hay, composts, manures Temperature regulation Plastic (soil warming), organic materials (soil insulation) Sanitation Plastic or organic materials Erosion protection Organic materials, plastic, burlap, stones, gravel Plant nutrition Composts, manures, hulls, leaves, plastic (to prevent leaching) Insect repulsion Light-colored mulches: white plastic, aluminum foil, foil-covered plastic or paper Ornament Bark, woodchips, sawdust, peat moss, hulls, sand, gravel, dust

A living mulch is a growth of live plants between the rows of a main crop.