British Sign Language Glossaries of Curriculum Terms

BSL Environmental Science Glossary - Living Mulch definition

Description: Living mulch is like traditional mulch, which uses organic material like straw, leaves and tree bark as ground covering to stop weeds from growing. Mulch is a way of looking after the soil. Living mulch does the same thing, but instead of using organic material, it uses actual living plants. For example, in soil that is used to grow food, but where the weeds are making it difficult to cultivate, one option is to plant a legume like clover in amongst the main food crop. As the clover grows it competes with the weeds for light energy and its roots make it difficult for weeds to take hold. The roots of this living mulch also have a special bacteria that adds nitrogen to the soil, helping the surrounding food crop to grow and take on nitrogen.