Question

Mulching is a process that helps in
(a) Moisture conversion
(b) Weed control
(c) Soil fertility
(d) Both A and B

Answer 1

Organic or inorganic constituents of matter added on the soil to reduce the growth of unnecessary plants, to increase water holding capacity, and to improve productivity by making soil nutrient-rich.

Complete answer:
A layer that is applied to the soil for the conservation of soil moisture, improving the health of the soil, improving the fertility of the soil, and also helps in reducing the weed growth is called mulch. The process of adding mulch is called mulching. a mulch is usually organic in nature but not completely organic.

Additional Information: - Mulch is of two types namely permanent mulch and temporary mulch plastic sheeting is an example of permanent mulch and bark chips is an example of temporary mulch.
- Mulch can be added or applied on normal empty land or it can be added around the existing plants
- Some of the worms like earthworms and other organisms add mulches of soil naturally that act as nature manure or compost
- It is used for both commercial and gardening purposes and it increases productivity if used properly.
- When mulch is added to the soil, the soil improves in conserving moisture, the fertility of the soil increases and it also helps in the prevention of weed growth.
- Compost, grass clippings, wood chips, shredded bark, straw, pine needles, etc are used as organic mulch and black plastic, and geotextiles or any landscape fibers are used in the inorganic mulch.
So, the correct answer is 'Both A and B’.

Note: This process of mulching is used in different areas like to conserve moisture in rain-fed areas, frequency of irrigation is reduce by mulching which is used in areas that require more irrigation, mulching is needed for solarisation in the areas with soil-borne diseases, used to reduce soil erosion in heavy rainfall regions.