AGRICULTURE REPORT - Mulch
AGRICULTURE REPORT - September 3, 2002: Mulch
By George Grow
This is Bill White with the VOA Special English AGRICULTURE REPORT.
Mulching is one of the best things people can do for their plants. Mulch is a
protective 1 cover of material that is spread on top of soil. It is usually made of
organic 2 material, or material from plants. Mulch protects the soil against wind and
water damage. It helps keep the soil wet and reduces the need for watering plants. It
also limits temperature changes in the soil. And it stops unwanted plants, or weeds,
from growing.
Organic mulch improves the condition of soil. As the mulch breaks down, it
provides material which keeps the soil from getting hard. This improves the growth
of roots and increases the movement of water through the soil. It also improves the
ability of the soil to hold water. Organic mulch contains nutrients 3 for plants. It also provides a good environment
for earthworms and other helpful organisms 4 in the soil.
The United States Department of Agriculture says it is easy to find organic mulch materials. Cut up leaves and
small pieces of tree bark can be used. Grass cuttings are also a good mulch for plants. Mulch from newspapers
works 5 well in controlling weeds.
The best time to add mulch depends on your goal. Mulch provides a thick barrier between the soil and the air.
This helps to reduce temperature changes in the soil. As a result, mulched soil will be cooler than other soil in the
summer. Mulched areas usually warm up more slowly in the spring and cool down slowly in autumn. In winter,
the mulched soil may not freeze as deeply as other soil.
Mulch used to help moderate 6 the effects of winter weather can be added late in autumn. The best time is after the
ground has frozen 7, but before the coldest weather arrives. Spreading mulch before the ground has frozen may
attract small animals searching for a warm place to spend the winter. Delaying the spreading should prevent this
problem. The animals probably will find another place to live.
Farmers use mulch in many ways. Some farmers keep the remains 8 of corn or other crops on top of the soil. This
creates mulch on the soil surface. The plant remains help protect the soil against wind and water damage. This is
called conservation tillage.
This VOA Special English AGRICULTURE REPORT was written by George Grow. This is Bill White.
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- A mother naturally feels protective towards her children.做母亲的天生要保护自己的孩子。
- We feel safe with a protective device in the house.我们因为家里有了防护装置而感到安全。
- Organic farming is expanding everywhere.有机农业正在各地迅速发展起来。
- The organic fertilizer shall keep the soil in good heart.这有机肥一定会使土壤保持肥沃。
- a lack of essential nutrients 基本营养的缺乏
- Nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream. 营养素被吸收进血液。 来自《简明英汉词典》
- The organisms can be divided into discrete categories. 有机体可分为许多互不相联的种类。
- The cell is the unit of which all living organisms are composed. 细胞是构成一切生物的单位。
- We expect writers to produce more and better works.我们期望作家们写出更多更好的作品。
- The novel is regarded as one of the classic works.这篇小说被公认为是最优秀的作品之一。
- You should moderate your language when children are present.在孩子面前，你说话应该有节制。
- The wind is moderate today.今天的风很柔和。
- He was frozen to death on a snowing night.在一个风雪的晚上，他被冻死了。
- The weather is cold and the ground is frozen.天寒地冻。