Soil mulching is a land cultivation technology to improve fertility. Using this procedure, you can protect plants from the negative effects of weather conditions. Having studied the system of mulching, it can be done independently.
What is soil mulching?
Mulching is a soil protection technology for successful crop production. This land treatment procedure has been known since the 17th century. Previously, it was called "shelter of the soil." Later it became known as "mulching the soil."
Mulching involves laying a special protective layer on top of the earth, which is made from mulch. This material is a mixture of a complex of components that prevent:
- weed growth;
- drying out;
- imbalance of water and air in the upper soil layer.
Mulching the soil is most effective in the spring. In unstable weather, temperature changes are often observed that can harm seedlings. To minimize the alternation of freezing at night with arid weather during the day, the earth is sprinkled with mulch.
Mulching the soil is used after planting plants from greenhouses in the open.
What is the benefit of mulching the soil, why should it be done?
Mulching has a complex effect on the soil. After applying a protective layer of mulch to the surface of the earth:
- the evaporation process slows down, due to which moisture is stored longer and nourishes the root system;
- soil acidity is normalized, as a result of which it assimilates nutrients better;
- the root system becomes more resistant to temperature extremes;
- soil structure improves, conditioning effect is provided;
- beneficial substances last longer in the soil;
- reduced spraying of land on plants at the time of irrigation;
- the appearance of plants improves;
- the number of beneficial microorganisms in the soil increases;
- enhanced pest protection;
- the number of weeds on the site is reduced.
Thanks to mulching after ripening, the fruits on low bushes do not touch the surface of the earth and do not rot. Carrying out this procedure reduces the need for caring for plants, freeing up more time for land owners.
How to mulch the soil (methods and rules)?
The method of soil mulching is classified into two categories: the type of material used and the processing technology.
According to the type of material used, mulching of the soil is carried out in three ways:
- traditional;
- using organic mulch;
- using inorganic mulch.
According to the processing technology, mulching is carried out:
- method of sprinkling soil;
- using covering materials.
Each of the methods has advantages and disadvantages.
Soil processing methodology according to the type of material used
Traditional mulching It is used most often. This method of tillage does not involve the use of additional material. A temporary protective layer on the surface of the earth is created by loosening.
Traditional mulching is also known as “dry watering”. Thanks to this method, the lower soil layer retains moisture and cool longer, and at high temperatures the evaporation process slows down. Additionally, loosening destroys weeds and provides oxygen access to the soil.
Traditional mulching has several disadvantages:
- limited duration of the effect;
- destruction of soil structure;
- decreased fertility (with frequent use).
Organic Mulching involves the use of components of plant and animal origin to create a protective layer. Typically, recycled components resulting from agrotechnical work are used for this procedure. This method of processing the site is considered the most effective.
Organic Mulching
Mulching is performed using: straw, mowed grass, sawdust, peat, wood shavings, shredded tree bark, wood chips, humus, fallen leaves and cones, sunflower, and flax waste.
Organic Mulching:
- protects from frost and high temperatures;
- retains moisture for a long period;
- prevents crusting after watering.
Mulch spills out onto the surface of the earth around the plant. The height of the layer is from 5 to 7 centimeters. In the summer, the mulch will gradually disintegrate and mix with the soil, enriching it with nutrients.
You can not make the protective layer too thick - for this reason, it will cause infections and diseases. If the mulch particles are too large, pests may appear in them.
Inorganic mulching produced through the use of components of natural origin. In most cases, this method of creating a protective layer is performed using rocks or industrial materials: gravel, sand, gravel, pebbles, brick waste, a polymer film, agrofibre, burlap, expanded clay. Inorganic Mulching:
- protects a site from weeds;
- retains moisture in the soil for a long period;
- prevents overheating of plants.
The disadvantage of this method of soil treatment is that inorganic materials do not disintegrate and do not increase the quality of the soil. With prolonged use, soil fertility, on the contrary, worsens.
Inorganic mulching
Methods of mulching the soil according to processing technologies
Sprinkling soil with mulch is recommended when using organic materials. The application technology is simple: the mulch is loaded into a bucket or other container, after which it is manually poured under each plant. In this case, the most difficult task is to track the thickness of the layer. If it is too high, the soil will do more harm than good.
Covering the soil with covering materials involves the use of a special mulching film. It partially covers the soil and is used in the spring to better warm the soil. This method allows you to get an early harvest. The use of a continuous film is allowed only in industrial conditions when growing plants in fields with a large area. The disadvantage of this method is that it does not prevent the growth of weeds.
Mulching Rules
Mulching is carried out once every six months: in spring and autumn. In the spring - after sufficient warming up of the soil and elimination of the old mulch, in the autumn - after harvesting.
For autumn mulching it is recommended to use hard material.
Before mulching:
- the plot is maximally cleared of dry plants;
- fertilizers spill out onto the surface of the soil;
- loosening the soil.
In orchards and berry plants, mulching is also carried out. Before applying a layer of mulch, the area must be watered. With autumn mulching, a 15-cm protective layer is allowed. Its thickness depends on the amount of light entering the area. If the zone is in the shade, there is no need to make a thick protective layer.
Spring mulching can be done when the soil temperature reaches +12 degrees Celsius.
Types of mulch
Mulch is divided into two categories: organic and inorganic. Organic mulch has a complex effect on the soil, gradually rotting. Inorganic mulch is used for its intended purpose, and additionally has decorative qualities.
The list of the most effective materials for organic mulching includes:
- pine nutshell - one of the most useful components for the soil, preserving nutrients for 5 years;
- pine or larch bark - using this material trees and shrubs are processed, and its properties are stored for at least 3 years;
- mowed grass - universal element compatible with almost all types of soil;
- fine peat - a component intended for the treatment of shrubs growing on sandy and clay type soil;
- fallen conifer needles - rapidly decaying material used for processing vegetable and berry plants;
- dried hardwood sawdust - this type of mulch is used to increase the acidity of the soil (do not use sawdust with resin);
- compost - a component from undecomposed organic matter, performing not only a protective function, but also fertilizing the soil;
- straw - universal element compatible with almost all types of plants;
- foliage and leaf humus - material used as a covering layer for the winter;
- spruce and pine cones - lightweight material intended for crops growing in soil with a high acidity index;
- husk from seeds - one of the most effective components for maintaining moisture in the soil for a long period;
- wood chips - universal material, additionally possessing decorative qualities;
- bonfire - material for vegetable plants, made from parts of hemp stalk, which additionally has a protective effect against bacteria.
The list of the most effective materials for inorganic mulching includes:
- only - roofing material with waterproofing qualities;
- roofing material - rolled roofing material that retains moisture for a long time, and prevents the growth of weeds;
- black polymer film - a component that protects the soil from temperature changes (it is not recommended to use for trees and shrubs);
- black agrofibre - material that lets water and oxygen into the soil, intended for use in cool weather;
- expanded clay - a type of mulch made of fired clay, designed to preserve moisture in the soil and protect it from high temperatures.
It is allowed to use simultaneously several materials for combined mulching. But it is necessary to ensure that the protective layer does not turn out too thick.
Do I need to mulch the soil in the greenhouse?
Young plants are most exposed to external factors. Despite being in the greenhouse, they remain unprotected against temperature changes, lack of moisture, nutritional deficiency. Mulching in greenhouses:
- minimizes thermal fluctuations;
- protects seedlings from weeds and diseases;
- improves the growth of the root system, thereby reducing the percentage of plant death.
Organic is the best choice for mulching in greenhouses. In terms of utility in the first place are: humus, sawdust and straw. In second place is paper, cardboard and roofing felt. In the absence of the above materials, the use of film and spunbond is allowed.
The main mistakes when mulching
In the absence of experience in mulching, mistakes can be made due to which the procedure will harm the soil and plants instead of good. The most common errors include:
- the use of a thick layer of mulch in the wet period - leads to putrefactive processes;
- the formation of a too high layer of mulch prevents the penetration of light and oxygen into the soil, and also causes diseases;
- mulching in windy weather - the protective layer is not formed;
- preservation of the old undecomposed mulch on the soil in the spring prevents the heating of the earth.
A thick layer of mulch is applied in autumn only if the site is in an arid region, or snow rarely falls in the winter. In other cases, a thin layer will be enough.
In the spring, before starting work on the garden, it is necessary to remove the old mulch. This task is carried out by loosening the earth to a depth of 10 centimeters. Only then can a new mulch be applied.
Mulching is the technology of creating a protective layer on the soil surface, and improving its quality. This procedure increases productivity, and protects plants from temperature extremes, lack of moisture, and a complex of other factors with the help of improvised materials.