Mulches help protect the soil against what?

Mulches play a significant role in protecting soil from various forms of erosion, particularly those induced by rainfall. When rain falls directly onto bare soil, it can dislodge soil particles, leading to water erosion. Mulches absorb some of the impact energy from raindrops and reduce the speed at which water flows over the soil surface. This mitigates the likelihood of soil particle detachment and subsequent erosion.

While mulches also provide benefits against other factors such as wind and chemical contamination, their primary function in this context specifically addresses the protection against rainfall-induced erosion. Understanding this clarifies the critical role of mulches in maintaining soil integrity and preventing sediment loss in various land management practices.