How does mulching affect soil under fruit trees?

In fruit farming, mulching involves applying undecomposed plant materials—such as straw, hay, or processing refuse—to the soil surface under trees.1

This practice serves as a complementary soil management strategy, often used in conjunction with permanent sod culture. By covering the soil, mulch provides several benefits:1

• Moisture Retention: It helps slow down the evaporation of water from the soil surface, assisting in water conservation.2
• Erosion Control: Mulch acts as a protective layer that helps prevent soil erosion caused by heavy rainfall.2
• Soil Health: Similar to the effects of incorporating organic matter like manure, mulching improves the soil's physical character, enhances aeration, and supports the activity of beneficial soil organisms.2

While mulching is a valuable tool for maintaining soil quality, it is frequently integrated into broader management systems, such as strip chemical control of vegetation, to balance the needs of the fruit crop with efficient orchard maintenance.1