IMPORTANCE OF MULCHING IN AGRICULTURE

by Muhammad Zubair Amin

Most people want to know about the importance of mulching. This article is going to become very informative and interesting due to new ideas about mulching because of innovative ideas about mulch technology. I will teach you how you make your own mulch in your garden. Every person is becoming more curious about mulch technology. Without any further delay, we directly jumped over the Mulch.

What is mulching?

Mulching is the covering of soil with an insulating material. It may be organic or inorganic in nature. Mulching regulates the soil temperature and keeps water available for the soil. It suppresses the growth of weed and inhibiting weed germination.

FUNCTIONS OF MULCHING

• regulate the soil temperature
• conserve the water moisture
• suppress the weed growth

Types of mulching material

There are two types of mulching material used in agriculture farming which are mentioned blew

Organic mulching material

Inorganic mulching material

1.Organic mulching material

Mulching material which is composed of organic material is called organic mulch. There are different kinds of organic mulch like Wheat straw, Rive husk, paper, hay, coconut and organic manure.

Inorganic mulch divides two types of organic mulch.

Live organic mulch

Live organic Mulch is composed of the live Plant. In this type, plants are selected whose spreading is more and thick shade and cover the soil completely.

Dead organic mulch

This mulch is composed of the dead organic material i.e. Plant residues like leaf, stem, bark, roots branches, compost and manure.

2.Inorganic mulching

If the material of mulch is not composed of organic material then it is serving as inorganic mulch. Examples of inorganic mulch are stone, gravel and plastic material. Inorganic mulch does not improve the soil properties like organic mulch. Plastic mulch should be removed and replace every year and this increases the cost of the mulch.

IMPORTANCE AND ADVANTAGES OF MULCHING            

There is a lot of importance of mulching. Due to its benefits, one can understand the importance of mulch. Following are the benefits of the mulch.

REGULATION OF WATER

Water is a very important agent in growing fruit trees and vegetables. But the use of the correct amount of water is also very essential. Water can be regularizing with the use of mulch. Mulched soil keeps moisture for a long time and makes it available for the plant. Mulch increases the water retention ability and water holding capacity of the soil. It reduces the evaporation and other leaching and runoff water losses. Mulch reduces the water requirement of the soil and saves a huge quantity of water for being waste.

WEED CONTROLLER 

Weed controlling is a serious problem in gardening. But now you don’t need to worry about this problem. Mulch is very helpful in controlling the weeds of the garden and field. High and thick mulch suppresses the growth of weeds by not allowing light to penetrate the mulch. Even seeds of the weed remain underside of the mulch. In this way, mulch stops the weeds from germinating. With the function of weed controlling in different fruits and vegetables, the importance of mulching is increased.

ORGANIC MATTER ENHANCER

Organic matter is very compulsory for good soil and for good production of the fruit trees and vegetables. Mulch increases the organic matter in the soil. Mulch provides a favorable place for the activity of the microorganisms and earthworms. Microorganisms and earthworms degrade the organic mulch into organic material. Hence organic mulch increases the organic matter of the soil.

 Mulching improves the physical properties of the soil. Compaction of soil can be removed by the use of mulch. If you want to learn about Paradoxical Agriculture then click here.

PREVENTION FROM EXTREME TEMPERATURE

Extreme temperatures like excessive high and low temperatures can cause injury to the plant. It is very important to regulate the temperature of the soil. Mulch regulator the temperature. It prevents the root zone of the plant from becoming very extreme. Mulch act as an insulating material for extreme temperature.

INCREASE THE ROOT GROWTH OF THE PLANT

The plant takes its food in the form of an ion with the help of the roots. Without proper root development, the growth of the plant should be disturbed. Good root development of the plant is very essential for the batter growth and high yield.

 Mulching plays an important role in the growth and development of the plant. It keeps the soil loose and enhances the activity of micro-organisms and earthworms. The earthworm and microorganisms loosen the soil and give favorable conditions for the growth and development of the root of the plant.

CLEAN AND QUALITY HARVEST

Now a day people have more concerned about the quality of the harvest. The quality of the commodity can be improved by using different techniques and methods and mulch is one of them. Mulch improves the quality of the commodities. Direct contact of a commodity with soil decrease the quality of the harvest. By using mulch there is no direct contact of the commodity. This leads to no microbial activity which increases the quality of the harvest.

DECREASE SOIL EROSION

Soil erosion is a serious threat to farming. Most gardeners trying to handle this problem with mulching. Heavy rainfall increases the chances of soil erosion. This problem can be settling by using mulch. Mulch covers the soil and decreases soil erosion. Live green manuring mulch is the best method of reducing soil erosion and increasing the fertility of the soil.

If you have any question click here for your query