Mulches

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Any substance spread or allowed to remain on the soil surface to conserve soil moisture and shield soil particles from the erosive forces of raindrops and runoff. - NALT

Layer of organic material (e.g. crop residues) used to cover the soil in order to conserve moisture, suppress weeds and recycle soil nutrients. - AGROVOC

Narrower Topics

Lawn and Garden: Mulches

Silverfish Lepisma saccharina Linnaeus (Insecta: Zygentoma: Lepismatidae)

Eleanor F. Phillips and Jennifer L. Gillett-Kaufman

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Springtails

P. G. Koehler, M. L. Aparicio, and M. Pfiester

This document provides an overview of springtails, minute wingless insects in the Order Collembola. It describes their biology, appearance, and habits, highlighting their presence in moist environments and their role in decomposing organic material. The article outlines the problems springtails can cause, such as invading homes and damaging young seedlings. Control measures are discussed, including indoor and outdoor strategies like reducing moisture, sealing entry points, and using insecticides. This comprehensive guide aims to help homeowners manage springtail infestations effectively. Publication date: October 1994.

Booklice and Silverfish

F. M. Oi, P. G. Koehler, D. Branscome, and B. E. Bayer

This document provides an overview of booklice and silverfish, detailing their biology, life cycles, and control methods. Booklice, or psocids, feed on fungi and organic matter, thriving in warm, humid environments. Silverfish and firebrats, belonging to the Order Zygentoma, damage materials high in protein, sugar, or starch. Effective control includes reducing humidity, proper storage, and using insecticides. The document emphasizes the importance of hygiene and preventive measures to manage infestations.

Pests Associated with Mulch and Moisture

P. G. Koehler and J. L. Castner

This document provides an overview of pests associated with mulch and moisture, including booklice, plaster beetles, centipedes, amphipods, earwigs, millipedes, pillbugs, sowbugs, fungus gnats, and springtails. It describes their physical characteristics, habitats, and behaviors, emphasizing the conditions that lead to infestations. The publication highlights the importance of understanding these pests for effective management and control. Original publication date January 1994.

Terrestrial Amphipods or Lawn Shrimp (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Talitridae)

Thomas R. Fasulo

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Pillbugs, Sowbugs, Centipedes, Millipedes, and Earwigs

P. G. Koehler, R. M. Pereira, and R. A. Allen

This document provides an overview of pillbugs, sowbugs, centipedes, millipedes, and earwigs, detailing their biology, habits, and control methods. Pillbugs and sowbugs are crustaceans that feed on decaying organic matter. Centipedes are fast-moving predators with venomous bites, while millipedes feed on decaying vegetation and can secrete a foul-smelling fluid. Earwigs are scavengers with pincerlike appendages. The document emphasizes the importance of hygiene, proper waste management, and the use of insecticides for controlling these pests both indoors and outdoors. Publication date: July 1994

Publications

Polyethylene Mulching for Early Vegetable Production in North Florida

George J. Hochmuth, Robert C. Hochmuth, and Stephen M. Olson

Using Mulch for Weed Control in Container Plant Production

Yuvraj Khamare and Chris Marble

Weed management in container plant production is a serious problem and remains one of the most expensive and time-consuming aspects of the plant nursery industry. Weeds compete for light, water, nutrients, and space, which ultimately results in decreased crop growth and yield. Weed management in container nurseries is primarily based on the use of timely preemergence (PRE) herbicides and supplemental hand weeding. The most challenging downside to applying PRE herbicides is often crop safety for many herbicide-sensitive crops commonly produced by Florida growers. Also, herbicide labels typically preclude application on bearing plants or for up to 12 months before fruit can be harvested. Due to these concerns, among the most commonly adopted non-chemical approaches to weed management in recent times is the utilization of mulch. This publication discusses best mulching practices, mulch types, application techniques, cost, and other management practices in container plant production.

thumbnail for publication: Eucalyptus and Corymbia Species for Mulchwood, Pulpwood, Energywood, Bioproducts, Windbreaks, and/or Phytoremediation

Eucalyptus and Corymbia Species for Mulchwood, Pulpwood, Energywood, Bioproducts, Windbreaks, and/or Phytoremediation

D. L. Rockwood and G. F. Peter

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.