KFAR RUPPIN GARDENS
*Properly used, they benefit plant growth and minimize garden labor.
*The main functions of mulches are the conservation of soil moisture and the moderation of soil temperature.
*They moderate internal soil temperatures by retaining heat from the day and radiating it to the soil at night during spring and fall;
* During summer, they keep soil cool by blocking direct sunlight exposure of the soil surface. *Mulches are used to block evaporation of water from the soil, slowing down soil drying. They also help control the growth of weeds, blocking sunlight and/or smothering weed seedlings under layers of material.
*Mulches improve soil texture, adding humus.
* Organic mulches add nutrients to the soil as they breakdown.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulch
Mulching in the Kfar Ruppin Gardens
* We use newspapers, magazines and carton boxes as the base for our mulching. 
        We collect the newspapers from the 7 collection points around the kibbutz
and cartons are collected from the collection point behind our village shop
*This forms a barrier which prevents:
        * light getting to the ground thus preventing weed growth.
     * woodpeckers making holes in the irrigation pipes [a very serious problem in Kfar Ruppin
        * It allows the  moisture from the irrigation system to water only where we need the irrigation and thus makes a                           saving of around 40% in the use of our scarce water resources.
        *Over time the mulching breaks down thus enriching the soil.
Step 1
Cartons and newspapers are the base for our mulching
Step 2
The cartons and magazines are arranged to provide a "light tight" cover around the newly planted plants
Step 3
The entire area is coverd with "chips " to a depth of at least 10cm.
Step by step pictures from a project in our new neighbourhood
Rosanna laying the newspapers
Just Rosanna !
Getting ready to add the covering
Work in process !
September 2007 Young plants and mulching
The Gardens today [ June 2009 ]
*Mulches are used for various agricultural and gardening purposes, they are applied to the soil surface.
*They benefit plant growth and minimize garden labor.
*The main functions of mulches are the conservation of soil moisture and the moderation of soil temperature.
*During summer, they keep soil cool by blocking direct sunlight exposure of the soil surface.
*Mulches are used to block evaporation of water from the soil, slowing down soil drying. *They also help control the growth of weeds, blocking sunlight and/or smothering weed seedlings under layers of material.
*Mulches improve soil texture, adding humus. Organic mulches may add nutrients to the soil as they breakdown.
*Mulches, as they decay, are incorporated into the soil where they provide air spaces and surfaces for fungi and root growth.