Mulch article

[Wyadra]

Well worth a read

https://ozbreed.com.au/articles/mulch.html

[jd]

Well worth a read

https://ozbreed.com.au/articles/mulch.html

Thanks Wyadra, great article. Unfortunately there are quite a few people out there using rubbish mulch just because it's cheap. Also a lot them know little of mulch/soil science.

[Fred's mowing]

Thanks Wyadra, great article. Unfortunately there are quite a few people out there using rubbish mulch just because it's cheap. Also a lot them know little of mulch/soil science.

x2, Informative article confirming long standing principles regarding the breathability of soils, decomposition of mulches & problems that can arise with un/poorly processed mulches.
Today Freda & I came across a good example of this where the mulch was crusty, clumpy & water repellent.
It was in a relatively established garden, we tried to loosen it up by hoeing it.
It might allow better air & water penetration but, I think that after a decent rain or two, it will have settle back down to that somewhat impervious layer.
Most ppl want to be environmentally correct but, using cheap/free raw mulch could well be detrimental.
In the case of mulches, you get what you pay for may well ring true.
Cheers Fred.

[geoff]

x2, Informative article confirming long standing principles regarding the breathability of soils, decomposition of mulches & problems that can arise with un/poorly processed mulches.
Today Freda & I came across a good example of this where the mulch was crusty, clumpy & water repellent.
It was in a relatively established garden, we tried to loosen it up by hoeing it.
It might allow better air & water penetration but, I think that after a decent rain or two, it will have settle back down to that somewhat impervious layer.
Most ppl want to be environmentally correct but, using cheap/free raw mulch could well be detrimental.
In the case of mulches, you get what you pay for may well ring true.
Cheers Fred.

good post fred mulching is a two stage process firstly a fine organic mix is required to enhance the existing soil including animal manure etc and secondly a coarse mulch to allow good water penetration ..too many times i have to fix gardeners that simply apply a pine much that crust over and doesn't allow water penetration... `soil conditioning is very important to the success of plant survival and good growth ....

[Wyadra]

Quite observant Fred. Takes years of experience and an inquiring mind to become good at this job. That crusty layer is what happens to mulches with too much fines in them.

Go to any landscape supply place and they'll happily sell you the low grade mulches, too much money in it for them. Same with the soils, unless you really know your supplier you won't find quality.

http://www.recycledorganics.com/info...pqc/IS3-08.pdf

There is more...would you believe there are Phd soil scientists. Just skimming the surface here.

[seliment]

http://www.recycledorganics.com/info...pqc/IS3-08.pdf

Excellent info / resource. thanks.

There is more...would you believe there are Phd soil scientists.

They are pedologists.

[steveo]

Quite observant Fred. Takes years of experience and an inquiring mind to become good at this job. That crusty layer is what happens to mulches with too much fines in them.

Go to any landscape supply place and they'll happily sell you the low grade mulches, too much money in it for them. Same with the soils, unless you really know your supplier you won't find quality.

http://www.recycledorganics.com/info...pqc/IS3-08.pdf

There is more...would you believe there are Phd soil scientists. Just skimming the surface here.

Not surprised. Soil is pretty important, without it, no food.