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#1.1° <br />L>4 <br />ragraw,, <br />VirivoisAN- 4- it: <br />liFj; -1° <br />i Jiro <br />47 <br />By definition, mulch is an insulat- <br />ing substance or material spread <br />over the ground and around plant <br />material. Usually it is organic <br />material, and its primary purpose <br />is to prevent loss of soil moisture <br />by evaporation. It also will deter <br />weeds and maintain an even soil <br />temperature. Mulch materials <br />include: wood chips, shredded <br />bark and wood, leaves, pine <br />needles, straw, grass clippings, <br />compost, and a variety of other <br />organic materials. <br />BENEFITS OF MULCHING <br />Mulch can serve several functions in your garden and landscape. <br />For example, mulches can accent plants and give your landscape a <br />finished look. Also, they have beneficial effects on plant growth and <br />help reduce the time and effort you will have to spend on routine <br />garden maintenance. Mulches also: <br />30 <br />• Provide a more uniform soil temperature throughout the <br />growing season. <br />• Reduce soil erosion, compaction, and moisture loss. <br />For example, mulches improve soil water properties by <br />reducing the impact of rain drops on the soil surface and <br />permitting water to soak into the soil; helps prevent run-off <br />into our storm sewers and gutters and, ultimately, our lakes, <br />streams and rivers. <br />4 J , <br />