A simple, farmer demonstration speaks clearly of the value of mulch.
Make two simple mounds, as if to plant kaukau (sweet potato). Leave one mound open, normal. The other mound, cover with leafy rubbish.
Now take a simple watering can and pour about 7 litres of water over each mound. The mound on the left lost very little soil – it has been covered with trash/leaves. It was protected from heavy rain and hot sun. The mound on the right was open to the hot sun and ‘heavy rain’ we applied. Lots of soil was washed away from the right hand mound.
Might mulch help protect your soil?
