They cover and cool the soil, minimizing evaporation. Organic mulches include aged manure, compost, bark chips and wood chips. Organic mulches also help with weed control and reduce soil erosion. If the mulch is too deep, water can have a difficult time reaching the plant roots. Inorganic mulches include rock and gravel.
Inorganic mulches absorb and re-radiate the sun's heat.
This can increase the amount of water that surrounding plants will need to thrive. Regional Water Providers Consortium. All rights reserved.