book for PDF - John Snow International Europe

MulchMulch is any material used to cover andprotect the soil. If organic material is notavailable then use rocks, twigs or barkchips.Mulch helps you:• protect the soil from erosion• improve the soil with organic material• save water by reducing drying outof soil by the sun and helpingwater sink into the soil• reduce the numbers of weeds• repel pests, using mulch such asash or leaves from strong-smellingplants.WindbreaksWind causes plants and soil to dry out. If we plant trees, shrubs, grassesand herbs around gardens, orchards and cropping areas we help to stopthis drying action. This means you use less water and the plants growbetter.Windbreaks can also help:• prevent pest and disease attack (include repellent plants in thewindbreak)• reduce the effect of frost• prevent the spread of fire (plant evergreen trees and shrubs)• improve the soil (pigeon pea, acacias, sesbania)• provide fodder for livestock• provide fuel wood• provide fruit and food crops (mulberry, banana, indigenous fruits)47