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I planted a cover cropping mix (clover mix) and recently turned it into the soil so that it can decompose in 3-6 weeks. First I cut the green parts of the cover crop into the soil and then used a hoe to turn them in. I usually mulch my bed with straw. However if I want the cover crops to decompose into the soil quickly, should I not mulch? Instinctively, I want to mulch to better protect the soil. However, I feel like the direct sunlight would lead the to cover crops decomposing more quickly because of photodegradation? Am I totally wrong about that?

Stephie
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fnwovnwownf
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1 Answers1

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"However, I feel like the direct sunlight would lead the to cover crops decomposing more quickly because of photodegradation? Am I totally wrong about that?"- fnwovnwownf

Well no, you aren't totally wrong about that. However, the microbial and macro decomposers are going to be far more effective. Decomposers like the mulch; it keeps the sun and the eyes of birds off their backs. If the end game is fast decomposition then burying said materials is the quickest root possible.

That being said, manual break-down of the materials will speed up the process significantly.

Rob
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