<tc>Mulching - save water and promote growth</tc>
Table of contents
Meaning and History of Mulch
The numerous advantages at a glance
- Moisture retention and distribution
- Nutrient supply
- Temperature regulation
- Weed suppression
- Feeds soil organisms
- Protects against flooding and erosion
- Protection against frost and drying out
- Creates habitats for insects
- Protects ground-level fruits from rot
- Saving fertilizer
- Saving water
- Creates a loose soil structure
Richtig angewendet kann die Mulchschicht bis zu 80% der Wasserverdunstung mindern und erzeugt eine gleichbleibende Feuchtigkeit unter der Schicht, was viele Nutzpflanzen benötigen um gute Erträge zu erzielen.
Eine Mulchschicht dient, neben der Temperaturregulierung, auch als Schutz bei Starkregen um die Bodenerosion, wie das Wegschwemmen der Erde zu reduzieren.
Durch die Lichtundurchlässige Schicht können die meisten Wildpflanzen nicht hindurch wachsen, was unerwünschte Unkräuter erheblich unterdrückt.
Auch zur Verbesserung der Fruchtbarkeit trägt die langsam verrottende Mulchschicht bei, weil Mikroorganismen das Material umwandeln und darin enthaltene Nährstoffe für die Pflanzen kontinuierlich verfügbar machen.
Durch die Arbeit der Bodenlebewesen entsteht zusätzlich ein luftiger und lockerer Boden der den Pflanzen eine optimale Sauerstoffversorgung ermöglicht.
Insekten und andere hilfreiche Kleinlebewesen finden in der Teils feuchten und trocknen Mulchschicht ein zu Hause und können sich dort vermehren um das Gleichgewicht aufrechtzuerhalten.
The right mulch material - in the right place and time
- Straw
- Hay
- Grass clippings
- Bark mulch
- Wild herbs
Things to consider when using
If straw or material with a similar consistency is chosen, good soil preparation with animal manure or slow-release fertilizer is necessary. It may be a good idea to use liquid fertilizer later, which can be seen over time when the leaves turn yellow.
Things to note when using
To use hay, I recommend moistening the material and then letting it dry out again after 7 days of constant moisture. This way, the hay seeds can be sterilized to avoid additional weed pressure.
Things to consider when using
When using grass clippings, the mulch layer needs to be loosened occasionally so that more oxygen can reach the soil, which is important after rainy days. The time period of use is also important to prevent mold from forming in permanently damp conditions. In temperate climates in spring and autumn, I recommend only covering the soil lightly with mulch.
Things to consider when using
If you choose bark mulch, you should pay close attention to the pH value. Liming the soil may be necessary for some plants. I advise against using bark mulch for young plants and plants that prefer alkaline soils, as they can be damaged by the tannins it contains.
Things to consider when using
When using wild herbs, make sure that you only use herbs that have not yet produced viable seeds. I do not recommend using robust herbs that are at risk of growing again as material.
Other important factors to consider
Summary - What to consider when mulching
- Additional fertilization if the material is poorly selected (C/N ratio)
- pH value for sensitive plants
- Permanent moisture promotes mold growth and snail infestation
- Soil cultivation is no longer possible afterwards
Many organic materials can be used for mulching and serve their purpose. Prioritize using green waste in the garden and what is available in abundance.
The time when to mulch depends on the environmental conditions. In subtropical climates, ideally the beds are always mulched immediately after preparing the garden soil in order to prevent it from drying out. In temperate climates, mulching depends on the weather influences.
The practice - How mulch is distributed
A certain simple technique is necessary to ensure that the mulch remains stable on the beds and shows its advantages. Basically, the aim is for the mulch to form a closed carpet; for this, the individual parts are pushed into one another after the mulch has been placed. The individual mulch parts then form a large-area, stable covering of the soil in the overall structure. In addition, the laid out layer of mulch can be moistened with water so that the loose material settles under the weight and takes on the shape of the bed.
The thickness of the mulch layer is usually 5-15 cm and is chosen according to the climate and weather conditions. A thicker layer decomposes more slowly and retains more moisture, whereas a thinner one can dry out more quickly and decomposes more quickly.
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