What are the effects and benefits of mulching when growing garlic
Garlic is a fairly important side dish in our daily lives, and in rural areas almost every household grows garlic. Home gardeners may not manage it very intensively, but many people who grow it on a large scale cover the soil surface with a layer of mulch, which can be plastic film or straw. It is said that this can increase garlic yield and improve quality. So what is the use of mulching when growing garlic? Let's take a look below!
1. Pest and weed prevention
Nowadays, when everyone grows garlic, after sowing they use New High-Fat Film together with an appropriate amount of herbicide, which can effectively prevent pests and control weed growth. And after spraying, covering it with a layer of straw can weaken the growth of harmful organisms and reduce the living space for pests and weeds. This is because after mulching, the light in the field is reduced, which inhibits weed growth, and herbicide has also been sprayed, so this double defense blocks weed growth. Pest control works in much the same way, preventing the New High-Fat Film from being lost and strengthening the efficacy of the pesticide.
2. Shade and water retention
The planting time for garlic is determined by the region; in the south it is generally planted starting in August to September. But at this time, the midday sun is still fairly strong, the rate of water evaporation speeds up, and too much light will also inhibit the garlic seed from sprouting and emerging. Covering with mulch promptly after sowing can not only effectively reduce the intensity of sunlight, but also prevent excessive sun from speeding up soil water evaporation and affecting soil moisture, which would affect seed sprouting. Moreover, seed sprouting is directly related to later growth and vigor.
3. Warming and heat preservation
The maturation season of garlic is generally in winter and spring, and temperatures in winter and spring are relatively low, especially in the north. If the temperature drops below minus five degrees Celsius during garlic growth, frost damage is very likely to occur, greatly affecting growth. Therefore, mulching can raise the temperature in the field, slow the rate of temperature decline, and ensure that garlic can overwinter safely. After safely overwintering and as the temperature gradually rises, because the insulation measures are good, garlic will green up faster, which benefits later growth and quality.
4. Fertilizer and moisture retention
Garlic is a fertilizer-loving crop, and when the rainy season comes, especially when it lasts a long time. Because the soil is washed by rain for a long time, a large amount of fertilizer is lost, which not only increases growing costs but also affects garlic growth. When there is insufficient fertilizer in the soil, after the rain stops and the soil dries, the soil easily becomes compacted, which is extremely unfavorable for garlic seed sprouting and emergence and for nutrient uptake by the roots. Mulching can effectively prevent rain washing, reduce fertilizer loss, and also protect the soil, preventing rain from damaging the growing environment for garlic.
The above are the effects of mulching when growing garlic, and surely everyone now knows why garlic should be mulched when it is grown. It not only protects the growing environment for garlic, but can also effectively promote garlic growth. However, when covering, you should also pay attention: the straw must not be too thick, otherwise it will not only inhibit weed growth but also create a certain obstacle to garlic sprouting and emergence.