Page 172 - Primary Five Science

Mulching

This is the covering of the soil with dry plant or organic materials

The main purpose of mulching is to keep moisture in the soil.

The materials used to cover the top soil are called mulches.

Examples of Mulches

Dry grass like spear grass, elephant grass etc. , Dry banana leaves,

Coffee husks, Maize straw, Sorghum straw, Wood shavings

Advantages of Mulching

 It controls soil erosion. It slows down running water.

 Mulches decay and add nutrients to the soil

 It controls weed growth. Mulch prevents sunlight from reaching

germinating weeds so they aren't able to grow.

 It moderates soil temperature. Mulch serves as an insulating layer

for the soil so the temperature of the ground changes more slowly.

 It increases water infiltration in the soil.

 Mulching promotes the activities of organisms that help the soil.

Certain organisms such as earthworms

help the soil in a very important way.

When mulching is applied, it cre-

ates a very conducive environ-

ment for these soil organ-

isms to operate and help the

soil with their activities.