SAEDNEWS: To ensure uniform soil composition in gardens and greenhouses, farmers use different mulch mixtures — light layers of materials spread over the soil. Saed News explores their agricultural benefits below.
Soil serves as the foundation for plant life, playing a vital role in retaining moisture, balancing temperature, supporting root strength, and providing nutrients. However, due to seasonal changes and natural factors such as wind, rain, snow, and erosion, this valuable layer deteriorates over time, losing its strength and fertility. The loss of soil moisture and erosion ultimately lead to drought and the gradual disappearance of vegetation. Therefore, restoring and rebuilding soil texture becomes inevitable. One of the oldest and most effective agricultural solutions for this problem is the mulching technique. Today, various forms of mulching are used worldwide in farms, orchards, and greenhouses, yielding remarkable results for farmers and growers.
Mulching is the process of covering the soil during the growing season to preserve moisture, control weeds, and prevent water loss and drought. This technique improves soil fertility and overall productivity. By adding a protective layer to the soil surface, mulching shields it from excessive sunlight and heat, reduces evaporation, and helps maintain strong root systems in trees, shrubs, and newly planted crops.
The term mulch literally means a soft, decomposing covering. In agricultural terms, it refers to a light and protective layer placed on the soil surface. Mulch comes in two types:
Organic (Natural or Living) Mulch: Made from natural materials such as leaves, straw, bark, sawdust, wood chips, and compost.
Inorganic (Synthetic or Non-living) Mulch: Made from materials like plastic, polyethylene, rubber, fiberglass, or mineral-based substances such as gravel or pebbles.
This protective layer insulates the soil, strengthens roots, maintains moisture and temperature balance, and enriches plants with nutrients—ensuring healthy growth and higher yield.
1. Organic Mulch: Derived from natural materials like tree branches, bark, straw, sawdust, and compost. These mulches mix easily with soil and improve fertility by adding nutrients.
2. Inorganic Mulch: Made from synthetic or mineral materials like polyethylene, rubber chips, or gravel. These are mainly used to increase yield and promote early growth in heat-loving crops such as melons and cucumbers.
Bulk Mulching: Organic materials like straw or compost are spread around the plant base. Before applying, the soil must be weeded and watered. A small area near the stem should remain uncovered for root aeration.
Plasticulture (Plastic Mulching): In this modern technique, polyethylene sheets are spread across the soil surface after shaping the field into ridges and furrows. Holes are cut for seeds, and irrigation is performed using a drip system.
Plastic mulches save time, reduce costs, and simplify weed control. They are particularly useful for organic farming, where chemical herbicides are prohibited. Benefits include:
Moisture retention
Weed suppression
Soil improvement
Pest control
Prevention of root rot and overheating
Cleaner, healthier produce
Transparent Mulch: Heats soil quickly but allows weed growth, making it less cost-effective.
Black Mulch: Commonly used; warms the soil and suppresses weeds.
Colored Mulch: Reflects specific light wavelengths to influence plant height, flowering, and fruiting.
White Mulch: Reflects sunlight, keeps soil cool, and repels aphids—reducing viral infections.
Organic Mulch Advantages:
Affordable and accessible
Retains and distributes water evenly
Regulates soil temperature
Encourages beneficial microorganisms
Converts into natural fertilizer
Organic Mulch Disadvantages:
Decomposes quickly
May promote mold, fungi, or pests
Contains weed seeds or insect eggs
Less durable in hot seasons
Inorganic Mulch Advantages:
Long-lasting and pest-free
Effectively controls weeds and moisture loss
Improves soil stability
Inorganic Mulch Disadvantages:
More expensive and harder to install/remove
Non-biodegradable and environmentally harmful
Mulching:
Preserves soil moisture and root health
Prevents erosion and nutrient loss
Encourages early and increased yield
Stabilizes soil temperature in all seasons
Reduces weeds and soil salinity
Enhances aeration and water efficiency
Decreases dust and improves environmental quality
While mulching is beneficial year-round, early autumn is ideal. It protects soil from winter rain, conserves moisture, and stabilizes temperature. In late winter, the mulch layer should be turned or replaced to allow air and heat to reach the soil. Spring mulching, usually in mid-spring, prepares the soil for summer heat by conserving water.
Mulch application varies by crop:
Thin layers (1–2 cm) for vegetables and herbs
Thicker layers (3–8 cm) for trees and large plants
Timing is crucial—too early or too late can cause rot or reduced yield.
In modern agriculture, efficient water use, cost reduction, and eco-friendly practices are top priorities. Among available methods, mulching stands out as one of the most practical and sustainable techniques. It enhances soil quality, controls weeds, conserves water, and even helps reduce dust pollution—contributing to a cleaner environment and healthier human life.
