Everything changes at some point. Agriculture and especially the sector of growth of crops has changed over the years to become what it is now. Today, almost every farmer or agricultural company depends on innovative farming methods in order to survive. The mulch sector is one area where a lot of innovation has been witnessed. The innovations have seen the introduction of more organic and inorganic mulches. When in need of Mulch Hunterdon County NJ should be visited.
In general, mulches can be defined as layers of any organic or inorganic material spread, placed, or laid on top of soil as covering in a garden or landscape. The application of mulches is guided by some rules. Among these rules is that they should never touch plant stems or tree trunks. They should also not ever cause harm to the plant in any manner.
Mulches have several benefits to both the plants and the soil. They help control weeds, reduce evaporation, keep diseases at bay, and prevent soil erosion. Water usage is greatly reduced since mulches shield the soil from direct rays of the sun. With weeding, diseases, and water use kept in check, one is able to save immensely on costs. When properly used, one can save up to 50 percent on costs.
As for plants, they help keep the soil cooler in summer and serve as insulators in winter which helps lessen the effect of fluctuating temperatures. This also ensures that the susceptibility of plants to frost heaving is greatly decreased. Besides improving the drainage, structure, nutrient, and moisture holding capacity of soil, mulches also encourage the activities of beneficial soil organisms.
Low-maintenance landscapes rely on mulches greatly as important valuable tools and components. They not only improve the appearance of the garden but also the soil fertility because organic mulches decay over time. Organic mulches are made from natural matters just as suggested by their name. That means they should be replaced since they decompose as time goes by.
Interval of replacement of organic mulches varies with respect to the type of matter in use. The intervals usually range from a year to four years. Wood chips, grass clippings, newspaper, cocoa shells, leaves, comfrey, and straw hay are examples of organic mulches. Fresh grass clippings, are, however, advised against since when used as mulch, they tend to form foul smelling mats beneath plants.
Inorganic mulches do not add nutrients to the soil as they do not decompose. They also have other drawbacks that are specific to the type of material that they are made of. For instance, stone mulch is very attractive but it may not be very efficient at keeping down weeds. Also, the stones heat up on hot days which expose plants to the risk of being scorched.
Finally, most people may not know that they can also use ground covers as mulches. Usually, groundcovers are plants grown under the main crop for them to provide the benefits offered by mulch. The plants should be capable of growing faster and near the ground. The disadvantage of living mulches is that they compete with the main crops.
In general, mulches can be defined as layers of any organic or inorganic material spread, placed, or laid on top of soil as covering in a garden or landscape. The application of mulches is guided by some rules. Among these rules is that they should never touch plant stems or tree trunks. They should also not ever cause harm to the plant in any manner.
Mulches have several benefits to both the plants and the soil. They help control weeds, reduce evaporation, keep diseases at bay, and prevent soil erosion. Water usage is greatly reduced since mulches shield the soil from direct rays of the sun. With weeding, diseases, and water use kept in check, one is able to save immensely on costs. When properly used, one can save up to 50 percent on costs.
As for plants, they help keep the soil cooler in summer and serve as insulators in winter which helps lessen the effect of fluctuating temperatures. This also ensures that the susceptibility of plants to frost heaving is greatly decreased. Besides improving the drainage, structure, nutrient, and moisture holding capacity of soil, mulches also encourage the activities of beneficial soil organisms.
Low-maintenance landscapes rely on mulches greatly as important valuable tools and components. They not only improve the appearance of the garden but also the soil fertility because organic mulches decay over time. Organic mulches are made from natural matters just as suggested by their name. That means they should be replaced since they decompose as time goes by.
Interval of replacement of organic mulches varies with respect to the type of matter in use. The intervals usually range from a year to four years. Wood chips, grass clippings, newspaper, cocoa shells, leaves, comfrey, and straw hay are examples of organic mulches. Fresh grass clippings, are, however, advised against since when used as mulch, they tend to form foul smelling mats beneath plants.
Inorganic mulches do not add nutrients to the soil as they do not decompose. They also have other drawbacks that are specific to the type of material that they are made of. For instance, stone mulch is very attractive but it may not be very efficient at keeping down weeds. Also, the stones heat up on hot days which expose plants to the risk of being scorched.
Finally, most people may not know that they can also use ground covers as mulches. Usually, groundcovers are plants grown under the main crop for them to provide the benefits offered by mulch. The plants should be capable of growing faster and near the ground. The disadvantage of living mulches is that they compete with the main crops.
About the Author:
When you are looking for information about mulch Hunterdon County NJ residents can come to our web pages today. More details are available at http://www.plainandfancystonesupply.com now.
No comments:
Post a Comment