Paillage

Paillage, commonly known as mulching in English, is the practice of covering soil with a protective layer to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, suppress weeds, and improve soil health. It is used in agriculture, horticulture, and landscape management and can involve organic materials such as straw, wood chips, bark, compost, leaves, and grass clippings, or inorganic materials such as plastics, geotextiles, or stones. Organic mulches decompose over time, adding organic matter and nutrients to the soil; inorganic mulches tend to persist longer but do not enrich soil directly.

Application involves spreading a layer typically 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) thick over the soil around plants, keeping mulch several centimeters away from stems to prevent rot. It can be applied as a general cover on garden beds, around trees and shrubs, or as a sheet mulch in no-dig or lasagne gardening.

Benefits include reduced soil evaporation, moderated soil temperature, erosion control, fewer weeds, and improved soil structure and biodiversity as the mulch decomposes. It can also suppress nutrient leaching and reduce maintenance. Mulching can also help recycle organic waste from the yard or garden when composted materials are used.

Considerations: some mulch materials can alter soil pH, harbor pests or diseases if improperly applied, or impede irrigation if too thick. Plastic mulches can raise environmental concerns and require specific disposal. The effectiveness of paillage depends on material choice, climate, crop type, and irrigation method.

Paillage is a sustainable practice when chosen and managed properly, contributing to soil health, moisture retention, and long-term productivity.