Miraculous soil mulching

Probably, many of the novice summer residents, when reading this outlandish word, will be perplexed - what kind of miracle is this - soil mulching?

In fact, really - a miracle. A wonderful remedy, directed by its functions to protect plants from weeds and pests, increase the preservation of the required amount of heat and moisture for their development and further growth. This technique can also increase the overall level of soil fertility. Let's consider what it is.

Mulching is a specially prepared covering, a kind of “blanket” for the soil, which improves its properties. For arranging mulch, a covering material of an organic and inorganic nature is used.

The benefits of mulching

Mulch is of great benefit to both the soil and the crops grown. First of all, it is an obstacle to such an undesirable process as evaporation of moisture from the soil at the root system of a plant. Thus, the protection function is also to neutralize overheating from high temperatures, as well as freezing. An efficient heat exchange takes place depending on the season. The role of mulch is also important in enriching the soil with useful substances, improving its general structure and respiration. The mulching process retains nutrients in the soil, which prevents them from premature leaching, weathering and absorption by weeds, which mulch also fights very effectively and destroys in a short time. The same applies to pathogenic microorganisms, garden insect pests. Mulching material also makes watering easier by keeping moisture out of the plant leaves. Thus, they always get the right amount when watering.

Mulch prevents harmful rotting processes, thereby contributing to the safety of the finished crop. This is due to the fact that, thanks to the mulch coating, the fruits simply do not have contact with the ground, which is also a plus. In the end, mulch gives an original appearance to the plantings due to the use of a very different material for preparation and use in the future. Having considered the rich set of benefits of mulch, we can say that it is quite capable of saving the summer resident from many problems and preventing them even before the stage of appearance.

Soil mulching: Method and period of application

Basically, the mulching procedure is carried out in two stages:

Mulching in the spring season is a stage aimed at maximizing moisture conservation, combating all kinds of diseases and insect pests, as well as additional protection of roots from high temperatures.

Mulching in the autumn season is a stage, the main purpose of which is to protect the root system from low temperatures, hypothermia and frost.

There are generally accepted rules for using mulch that should be followed to achieve the desired result:

- Before the mulching procedure, thorough cleaning of weeds, large stones and debris should be carried out, attention should be paid to the process of loosening the earth.

- Adjust the thickness of the layer of mulching material depending on its individual characteristics. Remember that if the layer is too dense and high, then this can cause a risk of rotting due to the limited access of the roots to oxygen.

- Mulching at the initial stage is carried out only on well-heated and dried soil, you should not do this ahead of time in order to avoid violating the entire declared technology.

- Mulching at the initial stage is carried out only on well-heated and dried soil, you should not do this ahead of time in order to avoid violating the entire declared technology.

- Contact of the stems of planted plants with mulch is contraindicated, again, to eliminate the risk of rotting.

... - Excessive moisture in a particular soil is not suitable for mulching due to the fact that overheating will be simply impossible.

Mulching materials

You should not be afraid of difficulties in the technology of preparing mulch, because all the necessary materials are available to everyone and everyone, there is nothing supernatural here. Compost, pine needles, grass cuttings, shredded branches, dry foliage, and even nutshells with cones are ideal. And especially for use on alkaline soils, materials such as pebbles, crushed stone, gravel are suitable.

It should be noted such a practical material (which can also perform a decorative function), such as wood chips. Its advantages lie in the fact that it is a kind of "heater" of the soil, does not allow it to freeze, retains moisture well, and prevents weeds from growing. As an alternative to wood chips, you can also offer textured tree bark - against its background, the greenery of plantations will look with a harmonious contrast, and its functions are in no way inferior to the option described above, both in terms of use and price.

It should be said that the mulching process is a reliable guarantee of the safety of your crops. Many gardeners and summer residents fell in love with this kind of coating, and now, having learned more about it, you can yourself try to create even more favorable conditions for your own garden.