What does "mulching" refer to in soil management?

Mulching refers to the practice of covering the surface of the soil with various materials—such as organic matter, straw, wood chips, or synthetic substances—to enhance moisture retention in the soil. This layer acts as a barrier against evaporation, helping to keep the soil consistently moist, which is essential for plant health and growth. Additionally, mulch can suppress weed growth, regulate soil temperature, and contribute organic matter as it breaks down over time, thereby improving soil structure and fertility.

The other practices mentioned do not pertain to mulching: turning the soil for aeration relates to tilling, the addition of chemical fertilizers focuses on nutrients rather than moisture retention, and creating soil horizons refers to the natural layering of soil profiles, which is unrelated to the application of surface materials for mulching purposes.