Which statement about mulch is true?

Which statement about mulch is true?

• A. Adding mulch to a garden area benefits plants by decreasing water lost to evaporation.
• B. Mulch increases water loss from the soil.
• C. Mulch has no effect on soil moisture.
• D. Mulch harms plant roots.

Answer: (A)

Mulch conserves soil moisture by reducing evaporation from the soil surface. A layer of mulch shades the soil, keeps it cooler, and slows the loss of water vapor, so more moisture stays in the root zone for plants to use. This is why this statement is true, especially in hot, dry periods when evaporation would otherwise be high. Mulch does not increase water loss and does have a meaningful effect on soil moisture by helping retain water between rains or irrigations. When used properly, mulch also protects roots from temperature extremes; only overly thick applications or piling against stems can cause problems, but the intended effect is moisture conservation.

Mulch conserves soil moisture by reducing evaporation from the soil surface. A layer of mulch shades the soil, keeps it cooler, and slows the loss of water vapor, so more moisture stays in the root zone for plants to use. This is why this statement is true, especially in hot, dry periods when evaporation would otherwise be high. Mulch does not increase water loss and does have a meaningful effect on soil moisture by helping retain water between rains or irrigations. When used properly, mulch also protects roots from temperature extremes; only overly thick applications or piling against stems can cause problems, but the intended effect is moisture conservation.