I'm Faith Lapidus 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 from getting too dry, 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.
Read and listen to our reports online at voaspecialenglish.com. I'm Faith
Lapidus.
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