Similar names: Covering, Groundcover, Topping, Blanket mulching

Mulching involves applying a layer of material to the soil surface mainly in order to improve soil health and enhance plant growth. Either organic or inorganic materials can be used as mulch. Mulching simulates a natural forest environment. In a natural forest, soil is covered by leaves and organic material, and it is rich in living organisms that recycle nutrients. Mulch can be composed of a wide variety of materials (see method of application) and has a number of potential uses. It is an especially helpful technique in climactic zones with high evaporation rates. 

The physical and ecological benefits of mulching are numerous. Firstly, the layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture by reducing the soil’s exposure to direct sunlight and preventing evaporation. Mulching is also effective at stifling weed growth by physically impeding their growth and stopping their access to sunlight needed for photosynthesis (amongst other mechanisms of weed prevention such as allelopathy with certain mulching materials). Other benefits of mulching include that it helps prevent soil erosion, is an effective means of regulating soil temperature by acting as insulation and improves the fertility and structure of soil (especially organic mulching). Please refer to the conditions section for information on potential problems with mulching so as to ensure the best chances of successful implementation.