Mulches
A soil amendment is added to plants or lawns to improve soil quality, enhancing water retention, permeability, infiltration, drainage, aeration, and structure. Its purpose is to support soil health, root growth, and plant establishment. To be effective, soil amendments must be thoroughly mixed with the existing soil; simply spreading or burying them will not achieve the same results. Mulch, applied as a surface layer, helps conserve moisture, improve soil fertility and health, reduce weeds, guide and retain water, and enhance aesthetics.
Compost
Compost refers to decomposed organic matter. These may be a combination of plant-based compost, manure-based composts, biosolids, and other agriculture by-products. With the large livestock industry in Colorado, manure-based composts are the most common. These are often high in salts. Use with caution. Compost made solely from plant-based products (such as wood chips and yard wastes) are low in salts. These are preferred over manure-based composts which are often higher in salts, but they are generally more expensive.
Controllling Weeds
Controlling noxious weeds and unwanted plants before altering the landscape is essential for a successful renovation. This early control simplifies weed management during plant establishment and remains crucial in the first few years post-renovation to prevent overgrowth. When adding soil amendments like topsoil, compost, or manure, ensure they are from weed-free sources. Effective weed control begins with identifying the weed and its lifecycle, using a management strategy that combines multiple methods. For assistance with identification and planning, consult the local CSU Extension office or Conservation District.