1) Anti-erosion tactic 
• (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Mulch
organic materials spread around plants with multiple uses. Can consist of peat, hay, wood chips, compost, or grass clippings. Mulch blocks weeds, prevents water evaporation from the soil, reduces soil compaction, and encourages microbial activity.
The natural and gradual decomposition of dead organic matter that has been evenly distributed in a thin layer on the ground.
<botany> Coverage of the ground with mulch. ... (09 Oct 1997) ...