TY - JOUR AU - Stelli, S AU - Hoy, L AU - Hendrick, R AU - Taylor, M PY - 2018/07/31 Y2 - 2024/03/29 TI - Effects of different mulch types on soil moisture content in potted shrubs JF - Water SA JA - WSA VL - 44 IS - 3 July SE - Research paper DO - 10.4314/wsa.v44i3.17 UR - https://watersa.net/article/view/6641 SP - AB - <p style="text-align: left;">South Africa is classified as a semi-arid environment with limited natural water resources and variable rainfall. It is also&nbsp;described as water scarce, with many of its water resources already fully exploited. Gardening is one of the principal&nbsp;methods that people use to experience nature, and gardens can also be a public demonstration of personal value, a source of&nbsp;satisfaction, and part of a connection to the community. However, gardens are also one of the top users of water, accounting&nbsp;for approximately 31–50% of potable water supplied for domestic and urban use. In order to reduce the amount of water used&nbsp;in gardens, water conservation strategies such as mulching need to be employed. In view of South Africa’s water situation,&nbsp;it is Rand Water’s aim to promote the wise use of water, in all aspects of water consumption. It is anticipated that this study&nbsp;will provide information useful to water saving in urban gardens and landscapes, and will promote the use of mulch amongst&nbsp;gardeners, landscapers and the general public. Mulching potted plants with various organic and inorganic mulch was found to conserve an average of 35% more soil water content over approximately 6 weeks of no irrigation than plants with no mulch.&nbsp;Mulch was shown to increase plant health and vitality, as indicated by stomatal conductance, by an average of 44% than plants&nbsp;with no mulch. The recommended mulch type for use in gardens is bark chips in both summer and winter seasons.</p> ER -