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When Mulching Is Useless: This is what everyone should know
27.02.2023 15:08
Updated: 14.04.2023 08:34
And the most useful action may turn out to be useless if it is performed in violation of or non-compliance with a number of recommendations.
Such mistakes happen in agricultural technology, for example, with mulching. Everyone knows that the benefits of a protective layer are obvious, but they don’t know why there is mulch, but it is of no use.
Let's name the main mistakes gardeners make when working with this material.
1. Timing of mulching
The timing of the application of protective material determines the success of the entire event. It can be spring or autumn. In the first case, it is protection from weeds, moisture evaporation and overheating, and in the second, from the cold.
If we talk about spring, then it is not even worth getting down to business until the soil has completely thawed. If you immediately cover the beds on frozen ground, then it will take longer to thaw, the soil microflora will be activated later, and therefore the plants will take root and grow worse.
It is better to wait until the first annual weeds appear, weed them and then cover the beds.
2. Last year's mulch
Mulch that has been lying around all winter becomes unsafe and must be changed in the spring, rather than buried in the soil. Pests, fungi, and pathogens of viral diseases can hide here.
Moreover, it needs to be removed so that the soil warms up as quickly as possible.
3. It is impossible without loosening
Over the winter, the soil becomes covered with a crust, which worsens aeration and moisture exchange. In such conditions, plants will not be able to develop normally, and the risk of spreading diseases increases.
4. Wrong layer
It is believed that the optimal mulch layer on heavy soil is 3 cm. If the soil is light, then 6-7 cm is required.
5. Mulch composition
Straw, hay, then crushed bark and other materials are most often used. Some materials can affect the composition of the soil and make it acidic. Therefore, it is important to consider not only the characteristics of the mulch, but also the growing crops.
