Ornamental and Turf Pesticide Applicators Practice Exam

What is one of the main functions of mulches in gardening?

1. Promote air circulation

2. Smother new weed seedlings by keeping out light

3. Enhance soil drainage

4. Fertilize the soil

The correct answer is: Smother new weed seedlings by keeping out light

One of the main functions of mulches in gardening is to smother new weed seedlings by keeping out light. When mulch is applied to the soil surface, it creates a barrier that inhibits the growth of weeds by blocking sunlight, which is essential for photosynthesis. This not only helps in reducing the competition plants face for nutrients and water but also helps maintain a tidy garden appearance by minimizing weed proliferation. While promoting air circulation and enhancing soil drainage are important aspects of garden care, they are not primary functions of mulch. Instead, those functions are more directly related to the soil structure and plant health rather than the mulch itself. Similarly, mulches do not actively fertilize the soil; they may gradually decompose and contribute organic matter or nutrients over time, but that is not their primary role. Thus, the function of smothering new weed seedlings is critical for maintaining a healthy and productive garden environment.