Benefits of a Mulch Conserves soil moisture Moderates soil temperature by insulating the soil surface Reduces soil compaction caused by equipment and people Reduces soil erosion from wind or water Slowly increases soil fertility through decomposition (organic mulches only) Reduces incidence of disease by protecting above-ground plant parts from splashes that carry soil-borne inoculum Reduces fruit rot by eliminating contact between fruit and soil Reduces winter injury by minimizing temperature variation, reducing water loss in plants, and decreasing heaving of plant crowns and roots Aids weed control Characteristics of Organic Mulches Most gardeners use organic mulches.
(Benefits of a Mulch Conserves soil moisture; Moderates; soil temperature) (organic mulches only; Reduces; incidence of disease; by protecting above-ground plant parts from splashes) (fruit; rot; ) (soil compaction; caused; by equipment and people) (splashes; carry; soil-borne inoculum Reduces) (Aids weed control Characteristics of Organic Mulches Most gardeners; use; organic mulches)
Benefits of a Mulch Conserves soil moisture organic mulches only fruit soil compaction splashes Aids weed control Characteristics of Organic Mulches Most gardeners
Moderates Reduces rot caused carry use
soil temperature
incidence of disease by protecting above-ground plant parts from splashes
by equipment and people
soil-borne inoculum Reduces
organic mulches