Managing For Mulch

vegetation that is allowed to naturally decompose isn’t realized by many ranchers and some range mangers. Mulch plays a critical role in soil-water relationships that is often overlooked. This, coupled with current drought conditions in the southwestern United States justifies a consideration of the importance of mulch on rangelands. Several early classic studies (reviewed in this article) reveal the benefits of managing for mulch. Functions Of Mulch Mulch generally refers to the dead vegetative material that covers the surface of the earth. It is also sometimes referred to as plant litter. Mulch can be divided into three classes that include ungrazed mature vegetation residues stil l attached to the plant (cured herbage), vegetation residues detached from plants covering the soil surface (ground litter), and decomposing residues partially or completely incorporated into the soil (humus). Each of the three mulch components contributes in a vital way to soil, plant and watershed health. Standing cured herbage retards the flow of rainfall and dislodged soil from the site. Ground litter provides a cushion between rain drops and the soil preventing “splash effect” or dislodgement of soil particles from rain drops. It also insulates the soil from the sun and reduces evaporation from the soil surface. Humus provides nutrients for plant growth and binds soil particles together. It plays a critical role in deAugust 2001 3