Mulching. Why mulch?

CONTROLS WEEDS
Suffocates weeds.
Saves labour.
Reduces competition for water and nutrients.
Spares roots near soil surface, which are often damaged by cultivation.

MODERATES SOIL MOISTURE & TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS
Keeps the soil moist by reducing evaporation and transpiration from weeds.
Buffers diurnal and seasonal temperature changes, soil stays warmer at night and in the fall, cooler during the day, and in the summer.
Winter mulch decreases frost heave.

CAUTION: Mulching slows soil warming in the spring, so don't put on too early, especially on crops that like warmth. Lettuce, peas and potatoes do best in cool, moist soil; tomatoes, cucurbits and snap beans prefer a warm, moist soil. Corn should be mulched when a foot high.

IMPROVES SOIL FERTILITY AND STRUCTURE
Adds nutrients as it decomposes although it may tie up nitrogen temporarily if high in carbon.
Reduces leaching losses and top soil loss by wind action and rain running off the surface.
Prevents soil compaction.
Encourages earthworms, whose burrows aerate and drain soil.
Organic matter improves soil structure.
Encourages microbial growth; CO2 evolved by microbes may be important in stimulating plant growth.

REDUCES PEST AND DISEASE DAMAGE
Provides a permanent home for biological controls of pests (predators) parasites, pathogens) although may also encourage slugs and rodents.
If the mulch is easily removed, slugs may be picked up and killed so this can be an easy way to control them, the mulch acting as a trap.
Microbial toxins released during mulch decomposition probably help to control plant diseases. Certain fungi that catch nematodes are encouraged by soil conditions under the mulch.

OTHERPrevents fruit from bruising or coming in contact with the soil, thus decreasing the risk of rot.
Can markedly improve the flavour of crops, especially small fruits, (quickly decomposing materials are best for this).
A good way of planting into sod or a weedy field is to lay the mulch down all over the field some time before planting; this will kill the weeds and leave a soft, friable soil.

We can Help!  Please contact us at; Sales: 623-848-8277  We serve the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277
http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net