Mulch on the Farm—Preventing Erosion and Increasing Early Season Income

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Conservation tillage is a common practice that creates a mulch on the soil surface.

Unlike the once common practice of plowing all crop residues into the soil, leaving the surface exposed, this type of tillage keeps the crop residue on top of the soil.

This organic matter—pieces of corn stalk, straw, bean stems and other plant residues—help protect the soil from wind and water erosion.

Also, research shows that crop residues left on the surface help hold carbon in the soil and aid in reducing greenhouse gases.

Crops that return large amounts of residue to the soil surface (for example, corn) are more effective in preventing erosion than crops with less residue, such as soybeans.

Mulching is a common practice among strawberry growers in northern growing zones. They use mulches to protect the plants during the winter and to help prevent early blooming in spring.

Plants that bloom too early are more likely to be damaged by spring frosts. The mulch also helps keep the berries cleaner, protecting them from soil splashing on them in the rain. Keeping the fruit off the soil also reduces the incidence of parasites entering the berries, which can harm humans.

Inorganic mulches are widely used in commercial agriculture, and even in organic agriculture. Clear plastic mulch can be particularly beneficial in giving warm season crops a head start. The clear plastic acts as a mini-greenhouse, warming the soil below it. Wherever early crops bring a price premium to the grower, these mulches are revenue positive.

Many plants are inserted into black plastic mulch, which keeps weeds down and keeps moisture in the soil. Watering is done by drip irrigation beneath the mulch.

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