Mulching is one of the agrotechnical measures used to protect plants and soil from the adverse effects of temperature and drying out, to enrich the soil and to prevent the growth of weeds. Decorative mulch is a protective, nourishing, decorative soil covering made from shredded, screened and dyed coniferous and deciduous wood (0-30 mm), pH neutral. Colours: brown, brick red, yellow. It is an excellent means of nurturing garden and ornamental plants, improving many of the factors that influence plant growth and at the same time beautifying the environment, giving the impression of completeness.
Soil temperature – In winter, mulch protects the roots of plants from sudden cold and temperature fluctuations, in spring it protects them from frosts, and in summer it maintains the soil at a cooler temperature, which is optimal for plant growth on sunny days. Mulch lowers the surface temperature of the soil, accelerating the decomposition of nutrients.
Temperature fluctuations moderate, which has a positive effect on the fruit quality of garden plants and the beauty of ornamental plants. Mulch stops late sprouting and slows down leaf drop in autumn. This is very important for less frost-tolerant varieties of garden and ornamental plants to withstand cold winters, because the plants have more time to acclimatise.
Soil moisture content. Mulch conserves moisture in the soil by retaining 60% of the water that without mulch would otherwise evaporate. Evaporation of water from plants is reduced. Watering or rainfall builds up moisture reserves and prevents the soil from drying out for a longer time.
Soil aeration properties. Mulch preserves the microflora in the soil, allows respiration of plant roots to occur more easily, keeping the soil looser and more permeable to air, and prevents the formation of a crust.
Protection against weeds. Mulch does not let in light, which inhibits weed germination and growth.
Protection against soil erosion. Mulch provides a protective layer that reduces soil erosion (damage, scouring) by water and wind, and prevents rain from washing away and wind from carrying away soil particles.
Nutrient uptake. This organic mulch improves soil structure by slowly decomposing. It is like replicating the natural process of soil evolution, returning the organic matter used by the plant back to the soil. Mulching is like composting at the roots of the plant. The mulch improves nutrient uptake by plants.
Spread of plant diseases. Increases resistance to disease and discourages the growth of pests. At the same time, it improves the conditions for the growth and activity of beneficial soil bacteria.
Use. Once the mulch zone has been established, the first step is to carefully weed the plant areas and beds, loosen the soil evenly, and apply a complex fertiliser (30 g/m2 ), preferably a slow-release fertiliser, which will eliminate the need for additional fertiliser.
Mulch newly-planted garden and ornamental plants evenly with the hole or slightly wider, and older plants – more widely. When mulching an individual tree or shrub, a circle half the size of the crown should be drawn around the trunk. The mulch surrounding conifers may be crown-sized or even larger, depending on future growth.
When using decorative mulch, it is recommended to remove about 5 cm of the surface in this area and to reinforce the edges with landscape edging. For plant groups, the mulch area normally covers the entire area covered by the group and is equal to the projection of the adult plant canopy onto the ground. When preparing the soil for mulching conifers, be particularly careful to protect the upper roots.
The surface of the soil should then be covered with a 5 cm thick layer of mulch, but no thicker. Mulch consumption is about 50 ltr / 1m2 when applied at 5 cm thickness. When mulching, a gap of 3-5 cm should be left in front of the stems of plants to prevent damage to the particularly sensitive bark. If the mulch layer is too thick, it can damage the plants, making it harder for moisture and nutrients to penetrate, and if the mulch layer is too thin, it will not give the desired result.
Time. Mulch should be applied on a dry, sunny day. Before applying mulch, we recommend that plants such as rhododendrons and blueberries receive one additional application of nitrogen fertiliser.
Mulch can be applied all year round. The optimal mulching time depends on the objectives. If the aim is to protect against winter cold and spring frosts, it is best to mulch in late autumn. It is then advisable to wait until the first frost to allow the soil surface to begin to freeze. Mice and other rodents should be kept out of the mulch, as they feel comfortable in the loose material and can cause a lot of damage to the roots.
In spring, mulch is applied when the ground has warmed up and the frost has passed, but the moisture has not yet evaporated. The optimum time is mid-April.
Mulch should also be applied later in the year, as mulch mixes with the topsoil when it is loosened, boosting micro-organism activity, allowing organic matter to decompose more quickly and providing more nutrients for the plants. After two to three years, the mulch layer should be replenished by up to 2-3 cm. The mulch layer can be replenished when the soil and the existing layer have fully thawed, at any time during the growing season, but it is important not to overdo it or use too much.