Sheet mulching is a no-dig gardening technique used in permaculture that attempts to mimic the way soil builds naturally in a forest, and is also called composting in place. A layer of decomposable material such as cardboard or newspaper is laid down to smother existing vegetation and suppress weeds, then covered with organic mulch, so the material breaks down from the top layer downward and builds fertile soil. Used alongside other permaculture principles, it can turn a lawn, a weed-choked lot, poor soil, or even pavement or a rooftop into a healthy, productive, low-maintenance growing surface.
Facts
Practice ClassAn agricultural no-dig gardening technique used in permaculture, also called composting in place 1 Connections
Associated With
Source Carbon farming - Wikipedia
Source Sheet mulching - Wikipedia
Source Sheet mulching - Wikipedia
Source Sheet mulching - Wikipedia
Source Sheet mulching - Wikipedia
Sources
1. Sheet mulching - Wikipedia
Lead section, paragraph 1
In permaculture, sheet mulching is an agricultural no-dig gardening technique that attempts to mimic the natural soil-building process in forests.
Lead section, composting in place passage
Sheet mulching, also known as composting in place, mimics nature by breaking down organic material from the topmost layers down.
Technique section, weed barrier passage
The soil is then covered with a thin layer of slowly decomposing material (known as the weed barrier), typically cardboard.
Materials and variations section, newspaper passage
Sheets of newspaper and clothing can be used instead of cardboard.
Disadvantages section, slug passage
Slug populations may increase during the early stages of decomposition.
Technique section, composting steps passage
Some permaculturists incorporate composting in step 5, step 6, or both.
Advantages section, soil structure and erosion item
Improvement of soil structure, soil life, and prevention of soil erosion.
Advantages section, water and nutrients item
Retention of water and nutrients and stabilization of biochemical cycles.
Technique section, forest floor layer passage
A layer (at most 15 cm thick) of weed-free, woody, and leafy matter is added in an attempt to mimic the forest floor, or O horizon.
Variations and considerations section, barrier timing passage
Often, the barrier is applied a few months before planting to ensure the penetration of roots of newly planted seeds.
Disadvantages section, termite passage
Termites are attracted to the area.
Associated With: Soil Erosion, Benefits section, soil erosion passage
Improvement of soil structure, soil life, and prevention of soil erosion.
Associated With: Nutrient Cycling, Advantages section, list item 2
Retention of water and nutrients and stabilization of biochemical cycles.
View the SourceCarbon farming - Wikipedia
Associated With: Carbon Farming, Methods section, Using organic mulch and compost, mulching sentenceQuote, Associated With: Carbon Farming, Methods section, Using organic mulch and compost, mulching sentence
Mulching covers the soil around plants with a mulch of wood chips or straw.
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