mulch

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mulch

mulch any material, usually organic, that is spread on the ground to protect the soil and the roots of plants from the effects of soil crusting, erosion, or freezing; it is also used to retard the growth of weeds. A mulch may be made of materials such as straw, sawdust, grass clippings, peat moss, leaves, or paper. For large areas under cultivation a tilled layer of soil serves the purpose of a mulch.

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mulch

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English | 2009 | © The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English 2009, originally published by Oxford University Press 2009. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

mulch / məlch/ • n. a material (such as decaying leaves, bark, or compost) spread around or over a plant to enrich or insulate the soil. ∎ an application of such a material: regular mulches keep down annual weeds. ∎ a formless mass or pulp: a mulch of sodden brown stems. • v. [intr.] apply a mulch. ∎ [tr.] treat or cover with mulch.

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mulch

A Dictionary of Ecology | 2004 | | Â© A Dictionary of Ecology 2004, originally published by Oxford University Press 2004. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

mulch A loose surface soil horizon, either natural or man-made, composed of organic or mineral materials. It protects soil and plant roots from the impact of rain, temperature change, or evaporation.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "mulch." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 17 Dec. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "mulch." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (December 17, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-mulch.html

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

	Colored mulch starves nematodes. (red plastic mulch, nematodes antidote) Magazine article from: Agricultural Research; 10/1/1997
	Plastic mulch: harmful or helpful? Magazine article from: Agricultural Research; 7/1/2003
	A colorful market: colored wood mulch is providing a sustained market for many wood recyclers. (C&D Series). Magazine article from: Recycling Today; 12/1/2001

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