Organic Mulching
Type: Technologies
Creation: 2016-03-28 15:32 Updated: 2019-09-05 15:52
Compilers: Philippine Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies
Reviewers: Fabian Ottiger, Alexandra Gavilano
Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment
- Country: Philippines
- Region/ State/ Province: La Trinidad, Benguet
- Map: View Map
Description of the SLM Technology
Short description of the Technology
Organic mulching is a practice of applying thin layer of organic materials on the soil surface that decompose over time for the purpose of conserving soil moisture, reducing soil erosion, improving soil fertility, and reducing weed growth.
Detailed description of the Technology
It is a farm residue management technique of utilizing organic materials, such as locally available grasses and weeds, into useful purposes. These grasses and weeds are cut or chop into smaller sizes then applied and spread in layers over the ground or soil surface. It will then be served as cover to the soil.
Purpose of the Technology: The purposes of this technology are the following: to conserve soil moisture; to reduce soil erosion; to improve soil fertility; and to reduce weed growth.
Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: In practicing this type of mulching, these are the following steps and activities: (1) Hauling of grass and weeds available in the farm; (2) Shredding of grass and weeds using the shredder; (3) Spraying of Indigenous microorganism (IMO) solution to the shredded grass and weeds; and (4) Spreading of the shredded materials (about 1 inch thick) in the vegetable beds after transplanting the crops.
Natural / human environment: Master’s Garden of Mr. Ambrocio Acosta is located at Barangay Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet. The province is Type I climate under the Coronas system of classification with distinct wet and dry seasons with an average annual rainfall of 3,879 mm. The dry season is from November to April while the wet season is from May to October. The farm has an elevation of 1,342 meters above sea level with less than 40% slope. The farm was manually terraced with UV treated plastic shed. The production system is manually managed and cultivated by Mr. Acosta and his two farm laborers.
Photos of the Technology
- 📍 La Trinidad, Benguet