A mulched garden has better water and soil conservation. Mulches are also known to buffer soil temperature and prevent water loss from evaporation. Weed control either by inhibiting weed germination or suppressing weed growth is another benefit of mulches. These advantages and the increasing interest in mulching have resulted in a wide array of mulches available for the gardener and landscaper. Questions often arise about which mulch is best.
Mulches have variable origins and compositions.
This publication presents the major organic landscape mulches commonly used in Florida. Pine-straw Pines are often grown in plantations for the production of wood products or paper. A major concern for pine straw production is the removal of nutrients and organic matter from the soil in these plantations. A study at the University of Florida showed that up to 50 lbs per acre of nitrogen and 6 lbs per acre of phosphorus are removed each year. We recommend that plantations are only raked 4 to 5 times in a 20-year rotation, and fertilizers are added to replace the removed nutrients.