Recently it began to gain popularity the technology of the living mulch. Moreover, the method described not only as an alternative to classical mulch, as well as the new and improved technology. I am sure that my readers would be interested to find out whether this really is.
I decided to write this article, as well as used on the site both methods mulching. Therefore, I have something to compare, and what to tell.
What is a living mulch
I am sure that many have already guessed what was going on, but briefly explain. The technology is based on a living mulch planting groundcover plants between major cultures.
For example, between landings garlic can sow white clover, which will pave the way and serve as mulch material.
The real experience of using
Since I decided to share my experience, I will be honest, everything was not so smooth, as described in the journal. Of all the ground cover plants only white clover approached for mulching. He had a lot of nice advantages, although with its own characteristics. Therefore, further discussed is about it.
To make it clearer, I decided to talk about each property (Which should have a good mulch) separately.
1. Protection against weeds
Clover does not really give a chance to many more serious weeds. Why more serious? Because he, in some way, is a weed.
Fast-growing clover, may soon get out of control and start to suppress the weaker culture. However, the situation is not so terrible. To monitor the living mulch is not difficult, but it will need to spend a little time.
I believe that with this task clover cope well.
2. moisture retention
Dense layer covering the ground, live mulch prevents rapid evaporation of moisture. The sun's rays simply can not get to the ground, causing that remains wet for a long period.
However, this happens only in the normal summer weather. When it is drought, Trifolium itself begins to consume water (Albeit in relatively small quantities). As a result, we get the opposite effect.
I believe that with this task clover (And any other living mulch) consults satisfactorily.
Features clover
3. Saturates soil nitrogen
Clover enriches the soil with nitrogen, which is important for the development of almost all vegetable and horticultural crops.
However, instead of land uses other nutrients, albeit in small quantities. Therefore, planting the clover on the "poor" flower bed, I would not advise.
4. loosens the soil
The roots of living mulch layer loosen the soil, creating favorable conditions for soil microorganisms and worms.
However, the root system of mulch and useful crops can cross. I can not say that it leads to some serious consequences, but forget about it not worth it.
5. Attracting beneficial insects
Flowers on a bed of clover luring bees and other beneficial insects. I believe that this advantage has negative aspects.
6. diversity of cultures
The landing of the living mulch layer diversifies your flower bed and create long-term effects of crop rotation. Hence, too, follow the only advantages.
THE VERDICT
live mulching method does have its pros and cons but it is also missing. Therefore, in their area I combine both methods.
Recently, I had a group In contact with and Odnoklassniki, Where every day I place the announcements of new materials.
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