Importance of Mulch
In simple terms, mulch is a layer farmers apply on the surface of their farm to boost their farming activities. Mulch have the following benefits.
Firstly, mulch is important to the growth of plants because it helps to keep the soil moister. Once mulch has been applied in the garden, it regulate the soil temperature and reduces the rate of soil water evaporation. Mulch help farmers carry on their farming activities even during the time when the amount of rainfall is low. Temperature of the soil moist is reduced to the point of converting to water before it escapes into the atmosphere.
The second importance of mulch is that it protects the top fertile soil from being eroded by rainwater. Top soil is usually rich in mineral and is loose for easy penetration of plant roots which makes it easily eroded by erosion agents. Soil erosion causes the farm to become barren because of the lack of fertile topsoil. Soil barrenness can cause a farm to be unproductive leading to famine and hunger. Agent of soil erosion like the wind which carries away loose soil. The hard pan is left behind after erosion makes tilling a farm so difficult.
Fertility of land is improved when mulch is continuously used. The decomposition of mulch turns the mulch into manure which increases the soil fertility. This helps to reduce the amount of inorganic chemical fertilizer used on a farm which is quite expensive while mulch is very cheap. Mulch also decomposes and regulate the soil PH which is favorable for plant growth.
Weeds are unable to grow in a farm whose surface has been applied with mulch. When the mulch is laid on the surface of the soil, it reduces the supply of some components necessary for seed germination. Some of the components necessary for germination include air, water, warmth, and minerals. In order to effectively prevent weed germination, it is good to use a lot of mulch which can prevent any penetration of air.
Fifthly, mulch is very cheap and affordable to almost all farmers. Organic mulch is readily available from the dead plants and you can even decide to make your own mulch by collecting dead plants and putting them on the surface of your farm. Mulch that is sold by various industries are cheap.
Mulch can also be used for decoration apart from farming purposes. River stones that are used to mulch city trees are very monumental and appealing to the eyes. River stones have varied properties that make them favorite for mulch decoration.
Organic mulch are environmentally friendly. Manure from mulch enhance soil aeration and water conservancy.