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This week’s topic is about mulching.

Whilst un-mulched plant are not necessarily under more stress than mulched plants from a lack of water, the use of mulching materials over the topsoil will perform three very important functions:

• The soil surface does not dry out, thereby preventing the cracking effect that makes penetration into the soil profile very difficult, and

• Plants roots will operate in a more even temperature and damage to those close to the surface is avoided

• Will reduce the chance for weeds to grow

Mulch depths should be maintained at the specified depths during and beyond the establishment period. Mulches will breakdown over time and should therefore be replenished.