What is Mulch: Types and Benefits
Mulching is a technique that has great benefits on the cultivated land and improves the results of the harvest. In addition, it can be used with almost any type of crop.
In the case of mulch, this protection is done by covering the cultivated area with organic material, called mulch. Its origin can be very diverse as long as it is organic matter. For example, it can be straw, grass debris, dry or green leaves, chips, or pieces of wood, among other options.
The thickness of the mulch layer should be approximately between 5 and 10 cm, although it may vary depending on the material we use. The best time to apply mulch is in the change of season from winter to spring. As it is an organic compound, over time the mulch will gradually decompose, providing nutrients to the developing roots, improving their growth and production.
Here, the term forestry ulching is very popular to improve the performance of property. This mulching helps to raise PH level and lowers soil acidity for creating more desirable landscape. you may also be interested in land and lot clearing
Some popular types of mulching are described below.
There are several types of padding depending on the type of material we use. All of them can be included in two broad categories, organic and inorganic padding. Within them different materials can be used, we will see the main ones.
Pine needles. Especially recommended for crops that admit a somewhat higher level of acidity in the soil than usual. For example strawberries, blueberries, garlic, or potatoes.
Straw mulch. It is the most used in organic farming.
Leaf remains. They can be used in almost any type of crop. Their main disadvantage may be that they are very susceptible to being blown up due to strong winds, so it is advisable to use them in somewhat protected areas.
Compost. Food scraps and organic waste. When decomposing, it will contribute a large number of nutrients to the crop.
Wood or sawdust scraps. They help to keep the soil very moist and fresh, creating an ideal environment for the growth of seeds and roots.
With perforations. It is ideal for crops that require more moisture and perspiration. Most used in dry areas, where more water is required.
No perforations. They are ideal for places with a higher degree of humidity.
Other materials, such as stones or rocky debris. This option is not widely used in agriculture, since, although it has some beneficial properties for the roots, it has a more aesthetic function.
In addition to these categories, they can be distinguished based on the color of the plastic and its degree of opacity. The white colors placed towards the outside favor the absorption of light, which helps the plants to carry out photosynthesis.
What is mulch used for? The main benefits of using mulch are as follows:
Protection from inclement weather. The padding layer protects the cultivated area from extreme temperatures. It is highly recommended in olive or almond tree plantations since they are one of those that suffer the most in these cases.
The great contribution of nutrients. In the case of organic matter, over time it ends up decomposing, which provides a large number of nutrients to the plantations, improving the quantity and quality of the harvest.
Avoid the appearance of competing plants. Reduces the chance of unwanted plants appearing on the surface. So our plantation will receive the water and nutrients it needs.
Increase the profitability of the plantation. By improving the conditions in which the plantation is developed, the quantity and quality of the harvest will be greater using the same resources. Therefore, the profitability of the plantation will be increased.
As we have seen, there are many types of mulch, but one of the best results is mulch. Thanks to its properties, our plantation will benefit greatly, as long as we use the most suitable type of mulch for our type of crop.
What is mulch?
Before looking at mulch, we must know what mulch is in agriculture. As a generic concept, it is an agricultural technique that aims to protect the cultivated soil and raise its temperature. In this way, the growth and development of the seeds will be much more effective.In the case of mulch, this protection is done by covering the cultivated area with organic material, called mulch. Its origin can be very diverse as long as it is organic matter. For example, it can be straw, grass debris, dry or green leaves, chips, or pieces of wood, among other options.
The thickness of the mulch layer should be approximately between 5 and 10 cm, although it may vary depending on the material we use. The best time to apply mulch is in the change of season from winter to spring. As it is an organic compound, over time the mulch will gradually decompose, providing nutrients to the developing roots, improving their growth and production.
Here, the term forestry ulching is very popular to improve the performance of property. This mulching helps to raise PH level and lowers soil acidity for creating more desirable landscape. you may also be interested in land and lot clearing
Some popular types of mulching are described below.
Padding types
There are several types of padding depending on the type of material we use. All of them can be included in two broad categories, organic and inorganic padding. Within them different materials can be used, we will see the main ones.
Organic padding
This type of mulching or organic mulching can be done with different types of biodegradable material. It is temporary since over time it will decompose. Some of the most used organic materials are the following:Pine needles. Especially recommended for crops that admit a somewhat higher level of acidity in the soil than usual. For example strawberries, blueberries, garlic, or potatoes.
Straw mulch. It is the most used in organic farming.
Leaf remains. They can be used in almost any type of crop. Their main disadvantage may be that they are very susceptible to being blown up due to strong winds, so it is advisable to use them in somewhat protected areas.
Compost. Food scraps and organic waste. When decomposing, it will contribute a large number of nutrients to the crop.
Wood or sawdust scraps. They help to keep the soil very moist and fresh, creating an ideal environment for the growth of seeds and roots.
Newsprint or cardboardInorganic padding
This padding is permanent in nature, as it does not break down over time. The padding technique can be used with different types of plastic materials. There is a great variety of them, and the following main categories can be distinguished. It comes in handy in the driest areas. It especially helps the growth of seeds.With perforations. It is ideal for crops that require more moisture and perspiration. Most used in dry areas, where more water is required.
No perforations. They are ideal for places with a higher degree of humidity.
Other materials, such as stones or rocky debris. This option is not widely used in agriculture, since, although it has some beneficial properties for the roots, it has a more aesthetic function.
In addition to these categories, they can be distinguished based on the color of the plastic and its degree of opacity. The white colors placed towards the outside favor the absorption of light, which helps the plants to carry out photosynthesis.
Benefits of mulch in cultivation
What is mulch used for? The main benefits of using mulch are as follows:
Protection from inclement weather. The padding layer protects the cultivated area from extreme temperatures. It is highly recommended in olive or almond tree plantations since they are one of those that suffer the most in these cases.
The great contribution of nutrients. In the case of organic matter, over time it ends up decomposing, which provides a large number of nutrients to the plantations, improving the quantity and quality of the harvest.
Avoid the appearance of competing plants. Reduces the chance of unwanted plants appearing on the surface. So our plantation will receive the water and nutrients it needs.
Increase the profitability of the plantation. By improving the conditions in which the plantation is developed, the quantity and quality of the harvest will be greater using the same resources. Therefore, the profitability of the plantation will be increased.
As we have seen, there are many types of mulch, but one of the best results is mulch. Thanks to its properties, our plantation will benefit greatly, as long as we use the most suitable type of mulch for our type of crop.
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