Horticultural Mulching Strategies for Soil Health and Weed Control

The Os Biosbardos farm tests herbicide-free mulching techniques to manage weeds and enhance soil health in agroecological systems. Trials compare materials like straw, hay, cardboard, paper, pruning waste, and biodegradable films, assessing contamination risks, labour needs, durability, and moisture retention. Straw and hay introduce pesticide residues and weed seeds, while paper deteriorates quickly in wet conditions. Cardboard and biodegradable films offer durability and mechanisation potential but face labour and wind damage challenges. Shredded pruning waste suppresses weeds effectively but risks soil anoxia. Long-term solutions may involve recycling local cardboard into mulch, potentially enriched with beneficial organisms, to improve sustainability and reduce labour. The farm applies permaculture principles to promote ecological balance and 100% organic production.