Soil mulching is an agrotechnical method aimed at creating an optimal environment for plant development by covering the soil surface. For the modern agronomist and practicing gardener, this method is a basic tool for managing soil fertility and water balance. Using various types of mulch allows for effective retention of soil moisture in the root zone, protection of the soil from overheating, and the creation of a favorable microclimate, which is critical both for crops in arid regions and for intensive crop production in a greenhouse.
This selection contains materials that reveal the practical significance of mulching and other agrotechnical methods for increasing the productivity of a plot. Readers will find information on the application of mulch in greenhouses and commercial orchards, and will also learn how this method combines with irrigation systems, top dressing, and temperature control. We have focused on issues of effective microclimate management and the organization of agrotechnics, which will help achieve stable yields of cucumbers, apple trees, and other crops under various growing conditions.