Mulching is a long-established horticultural practice that involves spreading a layer of material on the ground around plants to protect their roots from heat, cold, or drought or to keep the fruit clean.
It is the process of covering the topsoil with plant material such as leaves, grass, twigs, crop residues, straw, etc.
Mulches conserve soil moisture, improve soil nutritional status, limit erosion losses, inhibit weeds in crop plants, and remove pesticide, fertilizer, and heavy metal residues.
Mulches enhance the visual appeal of landscapes while also increasing the economic worth of crops.