Mulching is an effective measure to improve the survival rate of plants and the general health of a site degraded by overgrazing and compaction (S.Bittinger).
Come along and choose your pet activity at the Friends of Mt Majura working party on Sunday, 15th September:
Go on weed patrol and tackle Paterson’s Curse;
Spread wood chip mulch across bare ground;
Place woody debris around new National Tree Day plantings.
When: Sunday, 15 September from 1 pm to 4 pm; give as much time as you like.
Where: Nature reserve east of The Fair, North Watson; access and volunteer registration at park entrance Tay / Ian Nicol Streets; view this map.
Bring and wear: Garden gloves, sun protection, drinking water and wear sturdy shoes.
Enquiries: secretary@majura.org
There has been much progress since FoMM began work in the reserve east of The Fair in 2012; visit this page to see some of the spectacular results.
Silver wattle at The Fair grazed up to 150cm off ground (W.Pix). Small plants require extra protection until large enough to withstand heavy grazing.
Mulching is an effective rehabilitation measure that improves the survival of plants and the general health of a site heavily degraded by weeds, soil compaction, overgrazing and erosion.
Woody debris placed around young plants limits access by kangaroo and reduces grazing pressure.
Wood chip mulch placed in “doughnut fashion” around young plants helps to suppress weeds, reduces evaporation and retains soil moisture.
Coarse debris and a layer of wood chips across bare ground minimises erosion reduces evaporation, creates a microclimate, conditions the soil and provides habitat for birds, reptiles and little critters.
