Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
added to the soil, subsequently improving the soil's ability to store water,
improving soil fertility, facilitating earthworms and other agriculturally
beneficial microbial activity. Organic mulches include: straw (pea straw
and sugarcane), cypress, yard waste (grass clippings, leaves, and pine nee-
dles), pine bark, homemade compost (farmyard manure) and grass mulch.
Organic mulch materials restore beneficial soil nutrients and should be
replaced periodically. Recommended depth for organic mulches is 2 to 3
inches. Too much mulch may decrease air circulation, result in waterlog-
ging during rains, encourage root rot diseases, and provide winter shelter
for hibernating insects and chewing rodents such as mice and voles. Mulch
texture and depth may influence the abundance and insects and mites that
reside in organic and inorganic mulches. Inorganic mulches will have a
much longer life span than organic mulches, but will usually not have a
very natural look or improve soil quality. Inorganic mulches are made of
inert material such as rock, gravel or plastic, generally require less main-
tenance than organic mulch, do reduce water loss and suppress weeds, but
can not contribute towards health and fertility of the soil. Stone, pebbles,
gravel and rock can be used for color, texture and stability. Besides, reduc-
ing evaporation, vegetative mulches can reduce the spread of soil-borne
diseases, reduce weed growth, reduce soil erosion, and provide nutrients
and organic matter and aid in infiltration. Mulches improve infiltration by
protecting the soil surface from the impact of raindrops and eliminating
soil crusting. Mulches can however, be expensive and labor intensive to
obtain, transport and apply to the soil. Mulching is usually more practical
for high value crops such as vegetables and berries.
12.11.3 MULCHING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SPECIFIC
FRUIT CROPS
12.11.3.1 POME AND STONE FRUITS (APPLES, PEARS,
PEACHES, NECTARINES, PLUMS AND CHERRY)
Tree fruit should be mulched to the drip line with 6 to 8 inches of straw or
hay during the months of May-June. Mulch should be reapplied periodi-
cally and pulled away from trees at the end of August or early September.
This will allow trees to harden off and to reduce moisture pressure around
the tree.
