Mulching is associated with the use of material to maintain soil moisture. It is a technique that involves covering the soil surface with a layer of organic or inorganic material, such as leaves, straw, wood chips, or plastic. This layer acts as a protective barrier between the soil and the external environment, providing numerous benefits to the plants and the soil.

Benefits of Mulching:
1. Retains Soil Moisture: One of the main purposes of mulching is to conserve soil moisture. The layer of mulch helps to reduce evaporation by shielding the soil from direct sunlight and wind. It acts as a barrier, preventing water from escaping and keeping the soil moist for a longer period of time. This is particularly important in areas with limited water availability or during dry seasons.

2. Regulates Soil Temperature: Mulch helps to moderate soil temperature by insulating the soil from extreme heat and cold. It keeps the soil cooler in hot weather and warmer in cold weather. This stable temperature range promotes healthy root growth and protects plants from temperature stress.

3. Suppresses Weed Growth: Mulch acts as a natural weed suppressant by blocking the sunlight from reaching weed seeds. This inhibits their germination and reduces weed growth. Additionally, mulch physically suppresses weed growth by creating a barrier that prevents weeds from emerging through the soil surface.

4. Prevents Soil Erosion: The layer of mulch helps to prevent soil erosion by reducing the impact of raindrops on the soil surface. It acts as a cushion, absorbing the force of raindrops and preventing them from dislodging soil particles. This is particularly beneficial on sloping terrain where water runoff can be a problem.

5. Improves Soil Fertility: Organic mulches, such as compost or decomposed leaves, gradually break down over time and release nutrients into the soil. This enriches the soil, improves its fertility, and provides a steady supply of nutrients to the plants.

In conclusion, mulching is associated with the use of material to maintain soil moisture. It is an effective technique that provides numerous benefits to plants and soil, including water conservation, temperature regulation, weed suppression, erosion prevention, and soil fertility improvement.