Benefits and Advantages of Using Organic Mulch (Natural Mulch)

In organic farming systems, the benefits and advantages of using organic mulch (natural mulch) are becoming increasingly recognized for their role in enhancing soil health, conserving moisture, and suppressing weeds, without relying on synthetic chemicals. Derived from accessible materials such as straw, dried leaves, sawdust, and compost, organic mulch supports sustainable agriculture practices and promotes better crop productivity through environmentally friendly means.

Despite its many strengths, this method also presents a few notable challenges that must be addressed to maximize its long-term effectiveness in crop cultivation.

This article explores the pros and cons of using natural mulch in organic farming, providing insights into best practices and potential limitations every farmer should consider.

Organic mulch offers several benefits, including:

• Cost-effective and environmentally friendly: Organic mulch is more affordable and eco-friendly compared to synthetic alternatives.
• Enhances soil fertility: Over time, the mulch material decomposes and becomes a rich source of organic matter that adds nutrients to the soil.
• Provides habitat and food for soil organisms: Organic mulch serves as a home and food source for beneficial soil organisms.

Drawbacks and Limitations of Organic Mulch (Natural Mulch)

Despite its many benefits, organic mulch also has some disadvantages, such as:

• Time-consuming preparation and application: It takes time to gather and apply organic materials, particularly for large-scale use.
• Easily washed away: Organic mulch can easily be carried away by water or wind, particularly if not properly secured.
• Can harbor pathogens: Organic mulch can provide a conducive environment for pathogens.
• Weed regrowth: Grass clippings, for example, may still allow some weeds to sprout and grow when used as mulch.

Even with its limitations, organic mulch is still more beneficial than inorganic mulch (like plastic mulch), especially in organic farming practices.

Enhancing the Use of Organic Mulch (Natural Mulch)

By treating organic mulch materials, such as using crop residue or local organic waste, you can shorten the time and labor involved in sourcing the mulch. Using organic materials that are more resistant to decay can extend the mulch’s lifespan. Additionally, fermenting the mulch before use can help eliminate pathogens and reduce the chance of weeds regrowing.

How to Prepare Organic Mulch (Natural Mulch)

To create organic mulch, follow these steps:

1. Collect available organic materials: Gather dry fallen leaves, grass clippings, crop residue, rice husks, wood chips, and other available organic materials.
2. Ferment the materials: Use a bioactivator to ferment the materials for 1-2 weeks. The fermentation process helps enrich the materials with beneficial microbes, wilts the materials, and eliminates pathogens.
3. Spread the mulch: Apply the mulch evenly across the soil surface, in planting beds, or around the plant base with a thickness of 5-10 cm. (A thicker mulch layer can impede air and water circulation in the soil and encourage soil pathogens.)
4. Optional treatment: If necessary, the applied mulch can be sprayed or watered with organic liquid fertilizers, microbial fertilizers, or biological agents.

The Role of Nutrients in Plant Growth

Each nutrient plays a specific role and influences various processes in plant development and growth. Below is a brief explanation of the functions of essential nutrients for plants:

1. Carbon (C)

• Carbon is essential for building organic matter, as most dry plant matter consists of organic material. Plants absorb carbon in the form of carbon dioxide (CO₂).

2. Oxygen (O)

• Oxygen is present in organic matter as an atom and is involved in the formation of organic compounds. Plants absorb oxygen from carbon dioxide, and it is needed for respiration.

3. Hydrogen (H)

• Hydrogen is a key element in building organic matter. It comes from water, and its supply is essentially unlimited.

4. Nitrogen (N)

• Nitrogen is absorbed by plants in the form of nitrate (NO₃⁻) or ammonium (NH₄⁺), or both. Plants in water-rich environments tend to prefer ammonium, while plants in drier environments do better with nitrate. Nitrogen should not exceed 30% of the total nitrogen provided to the plants.

The effects of nitrogen on plant growth:

• Ammonium (NH₄⁺): Causes rapid growth, but can lead to weak, thin leaves that are prone to wilting and disease.
• Nitrate (NO₃⁻): Helps extend the lifespan of flowers/fruits, improves leaf greening, and increases flower formation. Thefunctionss of nitrogen for plants include:

• Necessary for the growth of vegetative parts such as leaves, stems, and roots.
• Crucial for chlorophyll production, aiding photosynthesis.
• Helps in the formation of proteins, fats, and other organic compounds.
• Increases the quality of leaf-producing plants.
• Stimulates the proliferation of microorganisms in the soil.

Sources of nitrogen include:

• Lightning produces nitrates that are absorbed by rainwater and the soil.
• Plant residues and organic materials.
• Microbial bacteria.
• Fertilizers (urea, ammonium sulfate, etc.).

Signs of nitrogen deficiency:

• Slow growth rate.
• Yellowing of leaves (especially older leaves).
• Poor overall plant health.

5. Phosphorus (P)

• Phosphorus is absorbed by plants in the form of H₂PO₄⁻ or HPO₄²⁻. Phosphorus absorption increases when combined with ammonium (NH₄⁺) or nitrate (NO₃⁻).

The functions of phosphorus in plants include:

• Stimulating root growth, especially in seedlings.
• Accelerating the growth of young plants into mature ones and increasing the percentage of flowers turning into fruits or seeds.
• Aiding assimilation and respiration, which helps with flowering and fruit maturation.
• Serving as a raw material for certain protein formation.

Signs of phosphorus deficiency:

• Darkening of leaves, followed by a grayish hue.
• Poor root development.
• In young plants, tip growth is hindered.

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6. POTASSIUM (K)

Absorption by Plants:
Potassium is absorbed in the form of K+ ions, and its availability from fertilizers is generally faster than phosphorus.

Functions of Potassium for Plants:

• Helps in the formation of proteins and carbohydrates.
• Strengthens the plant’s structure, hardens the straw and woody parts of the plant, preventing leaves, flowers, and fruits from easily falling off.
• Increases the plant’s resistance to drought and diseases.
• Improves the quality of seeds and fruits.

Sources of Potassium:

• Various types of minerals.
• Plant residues and other organic materials.
• Irrigation water and soil solutions.
• Artificial fertilizers (e.g., KCl, ZK).
• Plant ash (e.g., young tea leaf ash contains about 50% K2O).

Symptoms of Potassium Deficiency:

• The edges of leaves change from green to light yellow.
• The yellowing progresses to brown.
• The edges of the leaves become torn and jagged, resembling teeth.
• Reduced resistance to pests and diseases.

7. CALCIUM (Ca)

Absorption by Plants:
Calcium is absorbed in the form of Ca++ ions. Calcium availability affects the uptake of other nutrients, especially magnesium. Calcium deficiency can lead to excessive magnesium uptake, which can be toxic to the plant. Adding calcium with nitrogen is beneficial for stem development and new bud formation. Calcium is primarily found in older plant parts and is immobile.

Functions of Calcium for Plants:

• Stimulates root hair formation.
• Plays a role in the production of proteins and active plant components.
• Hardens plant stems and stimulates seed formation.
• Neutralizes organic acids produced during metabolism.
• Calcium in stems and leaves helps neutralize soil acidity.

Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency:

• Leaves are small and fail to fully develop.
• The leaves turn dark in color.

8. MAGNESIUM (Mg)

Absorption by Plants:
Magnesium is absorbed in the form of Mg++ ions. Magnesium availability must be carefully balanced, as excess magnesium can be toxic to plants. To avoid negative effects, it is essential to maintain equilibrium between magnesium and calcium. Additionally, magnesium is a mobile nutrient, meaning it can move within the plant.

Functions of Magnesium for Plants:

• Magnesium is a core component of chlorophyll.
• Involved in enzymes such as organic pyrophosphate and carboxylic pesticides.
• Plays a role in fruit formation.

Sources of Magnesium:

• Dolomite Limestone (CaCO3MgCO3).
• Epsom Salt (MgSO4.7H2O).
• Kieserite (MgSO4.H2O).
• Magnesia (MgO).
• Sea water, after undergoing specific processes.
• Various magnesium salts (e.g., MgCl2 + Ca(OH)2 → Mg(OH)2 + CaCl2).
• Terpentine (Mg3SiO2(OH)4).
• Magnesite (MgCO3).
• Carnalite (MGC12KCL.6H2O).
• Basic slag.
• Potassium Magnesium Sulfate (Sulfate of Potash Magnesium).

Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency:

• Typically visible on older leaves.
• Chlorosis appears between leaf veins.
• Leaves turn yellow with brown spots, while the veins remain green.
• It can result in stunted growth and hinder flower bud development.

9. SULFUR (S)

Absorption by Plants:
Sulfur is absorbed in the form of SO4 ions, and can also be absorbed through leaves in the form of SO2 ions. High sulfur levels can be toxic to plants. The average sulfur content in plants ranges from 0.1% to 0.4%. Sulfur helps prevent excessive nitrate accumulation, which could otherwise be harmful. Sulfur is a mobile nutrient.

Functions of Sulfur for Plants:

• Plays a role in root nodule formation.
• Important for proteins such as cysteine, methionine, and thiamine.
• Helps in the growth of productive shoots.
• Essential for oil-producing plants and vegetables such as chili, cabbage, etc.
• Aids in the formation of green leaf grains.

Sources of Sulfur:

• Plant residues and other organic materials.
• By-products of inorganic fertilizers (e.g., ZA fertilizer, Superphosphate).

Symptoms of Sulfur Deficiency:

• Dark-colored leaves, particularly near the stem.
• Leaf veins turn yellow.
• Plant stems are thin and small.

10. Iron (Fe)

Absorption by Plants:
Iron is absorbed in the form of Fe++ ions.

Functions of Iron for Plants:

• Essential for chlorophyll formation.
• Plays an important role in carbohydrate, fat, and protein synthesis.
• Found in enzymes such as Catalase, Peroxidase, Proline Hydrogenase, and Cytochrome Oxidase.

Sources of Iron:

• Mineral rocks such as Chlorite and Biotite.
• Plant residues and other organic materials.

Symptoms of Iron Deficiency:

• Leaves lose color, dry out, and become wrinkled.
• Leaf tips become necrotic, but the veins remain green.

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11. MANGANESE (Mn)

Absorption by Plants:
Manganese is absorbed in the form of Mn++ ions.

Functions of Manganese for Plants:

• Manganese is essential for the formation of proteins and vitamins, particularly vitamin C.
• It plays an important role in maintaining the green condition of older leaves.
• Additionally, manganese serves as a coenzyme and activator for several enzymes.
• It is also a critical component for the effective assimilation process in plants.

Sources of Manganese:

• Pyrolusite mineral (MnO2)
• Rhodonite mineral (MnSiO3)
• Rhodochrosite mineral (MnCO3)
• Plant residues, though,a vailability can be limited

12. COPPER (Cu)

Absorption by Plants:
Copper is absorbed in the form of Cu++ ions.

Functions of Copper for Plants:

• Copper is required for the formation of enzymes such as Ascorbic Acid Oxidase, Laccase, and Butyryl Coenzyme A Dehydrogenase.
• Moreover, it plays a crucial role in chlorophyll formation, which is vital for photosynthesis.

Deficiency Symptoms:

• Copper deficiency can cause yellowing and drying at the tips of leaves. In some cases, these symptoms may resemble potassium deficiency, with leaf edges drying out.

13. ZINC (Zn)

Absorption by Plants:
Zinc is absorbed in the form of Zn2+ ions or complex organic forms like EDTA.

Functions of Zinc for Plants:

• Even in very small quantities, zinc helps promote growth and development.
• Zinc compounds are believed to assist in the formation of growth hormones (auxins), maintaining the plant’s physiological balance.
• It is also essential for vegetative growth and seed/fruit development.

Sources of Zinc in Soil:

• Zinc sulfide (ZnS)
• Calamine (ZnCO3)

Deficiency Symptoms:

• Zinc deficiency can result in abnormal root growth and delayed bud formation due to incomplete meristem cell division.
• In addition, leaves turn light green, yellow, or white between the veins, and stems shorten. Leaves may become small, narrow, thick, and eventually fall off.

14. MOLYBDENUM (Mo)

Absorption by Plants:
Molybdenum is absorbed in the form of MoO4 ions. However, excessive molybdenum can be toxic to plants.

Functions of Molybdenum for Plants:

• Molybdenum plays a vital role in nitrogen fixation by microbes in legumes.
• It also acts as a catalyst in the reduction of nitrogen.
• Furthermore, molybdenum is beneficial for citrus plants and vegetables.

Sources of Molybdenum in Soil:

• Molybdenum sulfide (MoS2)

Deficiency Symptoms:

• Molybdenum deficiency can impact amino acid and protein synthesis, ultimately affecting nitrogen function in plants.

15. BORON (B)

Absorption by Plants:
Boron is absorbed in the form of BO3- ions. Though required in small amounts, boron must be available for proper plant growth. It is considered an immobile nutrient.

Functions of Boron for Plants:

• Boron plays an essential role in the transport of carbohydrates within the plant.
• It enhances the quality of vegetables and fruits.
• Boron is involved in cell division, particularly at the shoot tips, and in the formation of pollen and flowers.
• It also interacts with potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) metabolism.
• Additionally, boron helps form nodules that promote nitrogen-fixing bacteria and prevent parasitic bacteria.

Sources of Boron in Soil:

• Datolite (Ca(OH)2BOSiO4)
• Borax (Na2B4O7·10H2O)

16. CHLORINE (Cl)

Absorption by Plants:
Chlorine is absorbed in the form of Cl- ions.

Functions of Chlorine for Plants:

• Chlorine improves dry matter yield in crops such as tobacco, cotton, potatoes, and vegetables.
• It is present in all plant cells, especially in those of fiber-rich plants like cotton and sisal.

Deficiency Symptoms:

• Chlorine deficiency can cause dry, shriveled leaves with brown tips.
• In addition, high temperatures combined with boron deficiency can cause flower calyx splitting (calyx splitting. Similarly, excessive temperature fluctuations (more than 10°C) between day and night can lead to this issue.
• Overall plant growth may slow down, with short internodes and dwarfing, and in severe cases, growth may stop entirely.
• Stems may become brittle and prone to breaking.

In conclusion, the 16 essential nutrients mentioned above are vital for optimal plant growth. Understanding their functions and symptoms of deficiency can significantly improve plant health and productivity.