Mulching. Reservoir Mulch Method

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Using layer mulching, you can not only save moisture, but also suppress the growth of weeds. Many consider this technique to be the best agricultural technique. Check out the benefits and details of this method

Why choose the bed mulch method?

Using the layered mulching technique when growing trees, shrubs and garden crops, you save energy.

1. There is no need for cultivation, digging.

2. Under the layers, the earth remains moist and does not overheat on hot days.

3. In frosty weather it is a natural insulation.

4. Plants located under the mulch receive aeration due to the work of worms and useful humus.

5. Layered mulch is indispensable when planting hedges; compacted planting is not required, as growth quickly appears and fills the left space.

6. Vegetable waste and lawn mowed are disposed of without any problems.

7. No chemicals are used for feeding.

What is Reservoir Mulching?

Many gardeners use mulching, in other words, they protect the soil with a cover from wind, sun, heavy rains. Everyone uses different materials: straw, compost, grass, cardboard, black film, etc.

In contrast to simple mulch, layer mulch is more efficient, since it is arranged differently. This method is based on the use of multiple layers. Coverage creation consists of two stages. First, a weed control material is applied. Here you can use any available means: cardboard, fabric, paper, etc. At the same time, the problem of recycling old clothes, magazines, newspapers is being solved. On this layer is placed hay, mowed grass. The height of organics can be up to 30 cm.

The renewal of the coating takes place in spring to autumn, which allows the mulch to re-heat and increase fertility, in the form of humus formation. The method is similar to natural decomposition processes. The advantages of this method over covering the seedlings with compost / peat are that weeds do not appear, and there are no problems with the removal of lawn grass after mowing. The appearance of a large number of worms is especially valuable, which has a positive effect on the health of the earth.

So, with the help of layer mulching, you can completely exclude watering or reduce it to a minimum. Weeding is practically not needed, which is very important for everyday gardening work.

Reservoir mulching rules

Every agrotechnical technique can be ineffective if you do not follow the rules. Engaging in reservoir mulching you need:

• start by moistening the earth;

• qualitatively wet the first layer and not violate its integrity;

• the first organizational work begins when the soil has warmed up after winter, and melt water has flowed out;

• the first layer is laid out from legumes (stem, roots);

• The second layer requires sufficient thickness to be guaranteed to exclude weed growth.

Reservoir mulch method

It is important to follow the rules when starting to create a seam cover. Having laid out the first layer of fabric, paper, cardboard, it is important to achieve an even distribution of moisture over the entire laid surface. To do this, you need to shed the earth well and after that create the first layer. The spread material should be poured with a watering can / hose several times to ensure complete saturation. It is important not to violate the integrity of the paper, so you cannot step on with your feet. Watering ends after the paper / cloth just got wet and started to pass water through its structure.

An important point: when using old magazines, posters, advertising brochures, the paper layer should not contain glossy pages, since these sheets repel water, and you will not be able to wet them. All summer long requires an additional top layer lining in the form of cut grass.

After creating and preparing the bottom layer, immediately make the second one. It is advisable to start with the use of plants whose roots are saturated with nodule bacteria that contribute to nitrogen enrichment and are especially attractive to worms. All legumes are suitable for this: peas, lupines, beans, soybeans, robinia, lentils. The appearance of worms is especially important, since their activity is beneficial for plants and improving the soil.

If the question arises about the development of weeds, then consider the mechanism of appearance. For example, the beginning of summer is the active flowering of a dandelion. Seeds are omnipresent, they are moved by the wind and are sown everywhere. Once on the layer of mulch, the process of their development is predetermined. Of course, a humid environment will allow them to swell, give them the opportunity to hatch and that's it … But, they don't get into the ground, so they won't be able to take root. The technique of recreating the layer mulch excludes shoveling, digging, therefore, the ingress of weed seeds into the soil is completely excluded.