Mulching for Water Conservation: Materials, Methods, an in Australia

How Mulch Saves WaterMulch reduces water loss from the soil through three mechanisms: shading the soil surface from direct sun reduces evaporation; reducing wind speed at the soil surface reduces evapotranspiration; and improving soil structure over time (as organic mulches decompose) increases the water-holding capacity of the soil itself. A well-mulched garden in Australian summer conditions requires 30–50% less water than the same garden without mulch.Material SelectionSugar cane mulch: the…