Advantages:

• Mulching improves nutrient and water retention in the soil.
• Encourages favourable soil microbial activity and worms.
• Suppresses weed growth.
• Mulching reduces evaporation.
• Mulch also helps to retain moisture, prevent soil erosion, control weeds and it adds nutrients to the soil.

Benefits of Organic Mulching

 Mulch reflects a lot of the sun that otherwise heats the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and helps prevent evaporation. This is especially important in hot, dry climates. When the soil is covered in mulch, weeds do not grow under it as they do not get the light they need to grow. Mulches prevent soil erosion, as the wind or running water does not directly come in its contact and does not blow or wash it away. Mulches spread over soil, slow down rainwater run-off, and increase the amount of water that soaks into the soil. And more water in the soil means more water for the crops. Organic mulches also improve the condition of the soil. As these mulches slowly decompose, they provide organic matter which helps keep the soil loose. This organic matter becomes food for the beneficial earthworms and other soil micro-organisms in the soil and create a very good porous soil. This improves root growth, increases the infiltration of water, and also improves the water-holding capacity of the soil. Decaying organic matter also becomes a source of plant nutrients. Maintains a more even soil temperature. Keeps feet clean, allowing access to field even when damp