The benefits of autumn mulching for the soil at their summer cottage

Mulching the soil is a good way to retain moisture in the soil. This technology is actively used by supporters of organic farming. Any material can be used as a mulch layer.

In order to mulch the soil, they are laid on the beds:

• hay;
• agrofiber;
• sawdust and manure;
• leaves of fruit trees.

Mulching is carried out twice a year: when preparing the soil for winter and during the active growing season of cultivated plants in summer. In June, the soil is sheltered from direct sunlight so that the roots of old trees and berry bushes do not suffer from burns.

Autumn mulching should be done to loosen the soil. If you use natural mulch, then rotting, it will fertilize the soil and improve its structure.

Rotting mulch

During the decomposition of the mulch, a large number of substances are formed that are food for the worms. The second reason for their rapid reproduction is the high temperature inside the mulch. Comfortable conditions for the life of worms make it possible to make humus from mulch.

Humus is a waste product of worms. It is used as a natural organic fertilizer. The high nitrogen content makes this fertilizer necessary for plants during the active growing season.

In humus also contains a large amount of potassium. Therefore, humus is applied to the beds and during the ripening of fruits. The soil fertilized with humus is rich in nutrients.

The advantage of humus is that it contains nitrogen compounds that dissolve in water, and do not react with it. Therefore, when fertilizing the soil with humus, a small amount of nitrates is formed.

Loosening the soil with mulch

In order for the soil structure to improve, it is necessary to dig up the soil. Digging up the soil is a very laborious process.

Mulch attracts worms. They make moves in the soil that improve the soil structure. It becomes loose and soft.

You can dig up the soil that was under the mulch in winter with a light shovel. It freely enters the soil.

If you do not use mulch, then in the spring you will need to carry out preparatory work. Unmulched soil dries out faster and becomes hard. After winter, melt water can crack.

In order to plant plants in loose soil in spring, you need to remove the mulch, and then loosen the soil Fokin's flat cutter... Any other tool can be used.