*7.2.5 Reduced fertilizer leaching*

Fertilizer loss due to leaching is reduced as excessive rainfall is drained around the root zone, especially in sandy soil. Also, the use of organic mulch increases soil organic carbon which improves the water and nutrient holding capacity of the soil. Mulching with coconut fronds increased leaf N, P, and K content in chili [33]. Findings have shown faster plant growth, early fruiting, reduced P, and increased N concentration in leaves and fruits of crops when mulch is used.

#### *7.2.6 Reduces weed infestation*

Mulching reduces the germination and nourishment of many weeds by providing a physical barrier between the soil and the atmosphere. The mulching operation promotes the reduction of weed seed germination and weed growth and keeps weeds under control. Weed seed germination can be prevented or physically suppressed by covering or mulching the soil surface. Weed control can be achieved with materials like rice and wheat straws. Covering the soil surface can prevent weed seed germination or physically suppress seedling emergence. Organic mulch such as rice straw and sugarcane bark can provide effective weed control.

#### *7.2.7 Organic matter improvement*

Mulches decompose and restore organic matter and plant nutrients to the soil. Improving the physicochemical and biological properties of the soil which in turn increases crop productivity. Organic mulches do not only help to maintain soil moisture, but they also greatly enhance soil nutrients by adding organic matter. Lal et al. [34] reported a decrease in bulk density under straw mulch (1.42 g cm-3) compared to bare soil (1.50 g cm-3). Khurshid et al. [31] concluded that organic matter was significantly higher when more mulch was applied.

#### *7.2.8 Reduces harvesting period*

Vegetables such as cucumbers, muskmelons, watermelons, eggplants, and peppers usually respond well to mulching in terms of early maturity and higher yields. In comparison to control, organic mulches cause earlier blooming, resulting in fewer days between fruit set and harvest in tomato crops [35]. Polyethylene used as mulch reduced the growth season and increased the earliness and productivity of various vegetable crops [36, 37].

#### *7.2.9 Improves quality and yield*

Mulch keeps fruits clean from touching the ground and reduces soil rot, fruit cracking, and blossom end rot in many circumstances. Fruits are smoother and have fewer scars. Plastic mulch when properly laid prevents dirt from splashing onto the plants during rainfall, reducing grading time. Moreover, straw mulch can also improve the yield and quality of early potatoes, cabbage, and other vegetables.

#### *7.2.10 Reduction of diseases*

Mulch can reduce the force of irrigation water or the beating motion of raindrops, which can convey disease spores. These spores attach themselves to vulnerable plants' leaves and branches. Mulches provide food for a variety of beneficial soil organisms that compete with entering harmful spores or emit compounds that suppress diseases. They minimize the possibilities of illness occurring in plants. Many soil bacteria are inhibited by organic mulches, which compete with or digest pathogenic organisms

through a variety of enzymatic processes. Mulches play a crucial role in integrated pest management (IPM).

#### *7.2.11 Remediation of heavy metals*

Heavy metals are harmful to the health of both animals and humans. Mulches are an excellent source for removing heavy metals from soils. *Eucalyptus* leaves are commonly used to remove heavy metals from soil solutions [38]. In forest environments, woodchips and compost can form complexes with copper metal, converting them to a non-toxic form for crop plant growth [39].
