Mulch

This is Steve Ember with the VOA Special English Agriculture
Report.

Mulch is important to farmers. Mulch is a protective cover of
material that is spread on top of soil. It is usually made out of
organic material, like crop waste. Farmers may keep the remains of
maize or other crops on top of the soil. This creates mulch on the
soil surface. The plant remains help protect the soil against wind
and water damage. This is called conservation tillage.

Mulching is one of the best things people can do for their
plants. Mulch not only protects the soil against wind and water
damage. It also helps keep the soil wet and reduces the need for
watering plants. It also limits temperature changes in the soil. And
it stops unwanted plants, or weeds, from growing.

Organic mulch improves the condition of soil. As the mulch breaks
down, it provides material which keeps the soil from getting hard.
This improves the growth of roots and increases the movement of
water through the soil. It also improves the ability of the soil to
hold water. Organic mulch contains nutrients for plants. It also
provides a good environment for earthworms and other helpful
organisms in the soil.

The United States Department of Agriculture says it is easy to
find organic mulch materials. Cut-up leaves and small pieces of tree
bark can be used. Grass cuttings are also a good mulch for plants.
Mulch from newspapers works well in controlling weeds.

The best time to add mulch depends on your goal. Mulch provides a
thick barrier between the soil and the air. This helps to reduce
temperature changes in the soil. As a result, mulched soil will be
cooler than other soil in the summer. Mulched areas usually warm up
more slowly in the spring and cool down slowly in autumn. In winter,
the mulched soil may not freeze as deeply as other soil.

Mulch used to help moderate the effects of winter weather can be
added late in autumn. The best time is after the ground has frozen,
but before the coldest weather arrives. Spreading mulch before the
ground has frozen may attract small animals searching for a warm
place to spend the winter. Delaying the spreading should prevent
this problem. The animals will probably find another place to live.

This VOA Special English Agriculture Report was written by George
Grow. This is Steve Ember.