Some Pros and Cons of Mulching Avocado Orchards

Abstract

Mulching is a powerful manipulatory tool to ameliorate the root environment and reduce tree stress. It has been shown to improve both fruit size and yield in Hass in the cool, mesic KwaZulu-Natal midlands, and could be expected to be even more beneficial in more stressful areas. Pros and cons of mulching are discussed. Choice is affected by C: N ratio of the mulch, availability, expense and speed of decomposition. Timing is important, and tree nutrition and soil moisture must be monitored. Overall, in most situations the advantages of mulching, including water conservation, outweigh the disadvantages.