Benefits of soil organic matter
Food for microorganisms and soil animals
Nutrient cycling
Increase cation exchange capacity
Store plant nutrients in soils
Reduce harmful changes in soil acidity and alkalinity
Improve soil structure
Reduce erosion
Increase water infiltration
Improve aeration
Improve water holding capacity
Create healthy soils and encourage vigorous plant growth
Are a very good carbon sink and reduce greenhouse gases
MULCHES
Positive properties of mulches
* Reduce evaporation
* Improve soil structure
* Protect surface from raindrop impact
* Increase water infiltration
* Suppress weed growth
* Temperature fluculations are moderated
* Encourages growth of soil organisms
