Mulch

Whether you have a garden or need some landscaping to do, mulch can really help you in several different ways. There are several types of mulch, and in order to get the best results, then you have to get the best one for your needs.

There are several purposes for mulch, including some that most people don’t know about (like using rubber mulch mixed with sand, in order to make good footing in areas where you have horses).  Most of these purposes have to do with agriculture and gardening.

The main function of mulch is to moderate the temperature of they soil. Since it covers the soil, it receives the direct impact of sunlight, reducing its effect on the soil. At night, it radiates the heat it received to the soil. In this way, The temperatures at which the soil is exposed tend to be less extreme this way. In turn, more stable temperatures allow for a better growth of the main crop. In addition, some types of mulch reflect back sunlight to the leaves of your plants, which is beneficial for some kinds of plants.

In addition, mulch of any kind is very useful for controlling weeds. It does it in two ways. First of all, it blocks the sunlight that weeds need in order to grow. Secondly, it blocks physically the space that weed needs when it sprouts, taking out the natural competitors of your plants and crops.

Another advantage of mulch is that it prevents erosion. When it rains, it acts as a filter that prevents soil or soil ingredients from being washed away. It also cushions the soil against hard impacts by heavy rain or hail or even a missed ball.

When considering the type of mulch you want to buy, there are two main categories: Organic mulch and non-organic mulch. Each has its own characteristics and advantages over the other. For example, the non organic type will not break down with time, but it will require less maintenance and it’s more resistant. On the other hand, the organic one will eventually become part of the soil. This will usually enrich the soil or improve its texture by adding humus, but it also means that it has to be replaced more often.

In addition, there are some types of mulch that can be used for other applications. For example, the one made of rubber is used in playgrounds because it is elastic and softens impacts when children fall off playground equipment.