Mulch - GCSE Biology Definition

Mulch is a material, such as wood chips, leaves, straw, or compost, that is spread over the surface of soil in gardens or on farms. It is used to protect plants and support their growth. Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil by reducing evaporation, suppresses weed growth to prevent them from taking nutrients away from the plants, and keeps the soil temperature more stable, which protects plant roots in hot or cold weather. As organic mulch breaks down, it also adds nutrients to the soil, improving its fertility. In GCSE Biology, understanding mulch is useful when learning about methods to improve plant growth and maintain soil health.