A mulch is a layer of material applied to the surface of an area of soil. Its purpose is any or all of the following:
· to conserve moisture
· to improve the fertility and health of the soil
· to reduce weed growth
· to enhance the visual appeal of the area
Mulching as NWRM is using organic material (e.g. bark, wood chips, grape pulp, shell nuts, green waste, leftover crops, compost, manure, straw, dry grass, leaves etc.) to cover the surface of the soil. It may be applied to bare soil, or around existing plants. Mulches of manure or compost will be incorporated naturally into the soil by the activity of worms and other organisms. The process is used both in commercial crop production and in gardening, and when applied correctly can dramatically improve the capacity of soil to store water.