Benefits of Mulch
Mulch is defined as a layer put to the surface of a farm for reasons like weed control, soil water conservation and boost soil fertility. The following are some benefits of mulch.
Benefit of mulch is that it helps in soil water conservation to help the plants grow normally. Once mulch has been applied in the garden, it regulate the soil temperature and reduces the rate of soil water evaporation. Organic mulch is very important to agriculture sector because, despite the climate, a farmer is able to carry on his/her farming activities. Organic mulch like the alfalfa mulch traps the moist that tries to escape into atmosphere and return it back to the soil.
Secondly, mulch is used to prevent erosion of top fertile soil. 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. It is not possible for any farming in a barren farm because it lacks the necessary ingredients to sustain plants. Top soil can also be eroded by strong wind which blows away the loose soil. A land that has lost its loose topsoil becomes so difficult to till or work on because what remains is the hard soil which is unproductive.
The third benefit of using mulch in your farm is that the fertility of the soil is increased. When organic mulch decompose in the soil, the fertility is boosted. Compared to inorganic fertilizers, organic manure is very cheap and affordable. When mulch decomposes into manure, the soil acidity is improved which translates to the proper growth of crops in a farm.
Weeds are unable to grow in a farm whose surface has been applied with mulch. Mulch suppress the growth of weed by cutting the supply of necessities for seed germination. Germination of a seed is facilitated by 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.
The affordability of mulch is another advantage of using mulch in your farm. Mulch does not require specialized skills to prepare. Industrial mulch is cheap and the delivery is made to your farm.
The sixth benefit of using mulch is that they can be used for decoration purposes and authentic purposes. River stones that are used to mulch city trees are very monumental and appealing to the eyes. Properties of river stones like color make them ideal decorative mulch.
Organic mulch are environmentally friendly. Manure from mulch enhance soil aeration and water conservancy.