Changes

[[File:Wood chip mulch.jpg|thumb|Pine mulch will help hold moisture in the soil]]

[[File:Wood chip mulch.jpg|thumb|Pine mulch will help hold moisture in the soil]]

In addition to its aesthetic qualities, mulch is an essential functional component of many LID practices. Mulch assists in

In addition to its aesthetic qualities, mulch is an essential functional component of many LID practices. Mulch assists in educing soil erosion, retaining moisture for the plant material, moderating soil

reducing soil erosion, retaining moisture for the plant material, moderating soil

temperature, preventing surface sealing and reducing colonization by opportunistic weed species. Wood mulch allows for cation exchange in the upper organic layer of the soil, capturing heavy metals. Regular fresh applications of wood mulch also promotes denitrification, reducing nitrates in impacted surface waters.

temperature, preventing surface sealing and reducing colonization by opportunistic weed

species. Wood mulch allows for cation exchange in the upper organic

layer of the soil, capturing heavy metals. Regular fresh applications of wood mulch also promotes denitrification, reducing nitrates in impacted surface waters.

 

Mulch should be applied on the surface of bioretention practices at a minimum depth of 75 mm and added to cover bare areas in order to avoid erosion. Mulch should only be removed and replaced when contamination has become a concern, when clogging has occurred, or when surface storage volume has been reduced.

Mulch should be applied on the surface of bioretention practices at a minimum depth of 75 mm and added to cover bare

areas in order to avoid erosion. Mulch should only be removed and replaced when

contamination has become a concern, when clogging has occurred, or when surface

storage volume has been reduced.