Nature Notes
Value of Mulch
A thin layer of mulch on the soil surface (especially in sloping gardens) reduces the washing away of soil particles by rushing water. Also, mulches prevent raindrops from splashing on the soil surface. See figure 1.
Saving soil moisture is an important use of mulch. A mulch layer on the soil surface allows the soil to soak up more water. Mulch also reduces the rate of water loss from the soil. A 3-inch layer of mulch on the soil surface dries much faster than the soil below it. Thus it prevents water from moving into the air. See figure 2.
Most mulch also provides excellent weed control. Mulches do not prevent weed seeds from sprouting. However, weed seedling emergence is blocked by a mulch layer thick enough to exclude light. A 3-inch layer of mulch on the soil surface keeps most annual weed seedlings from coming through. See figure 5. Weeds that bread through are removed more easily from mulched soil. Hard-to-control weeds such as nut grass and johnson grass may come through the mulch layer but can be pulled more easily or covered by fluffing the mulch with a fork.
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