1-Preserves heat and moisture
2-Protect roots and the stem of the plant from frost
3-Intercept sunlight
4-Black mulch applied to the planting bed will warm the soil and promote faster growth in early season, which generally leads to earlier harvest
5-Clear mulch provides greatest soil warming and is useful in certain situations
6-Prevent soil water loss due to evaporation from the soil surface and may help reduce the incidence of moisture-related physiological disorders
7-Protect crop roots by shedding excessive water away from the crop root zone during periods of excessive rain fall
8-Enhanced nutrient management, moisture regulation, mulch allows for greater control of nutrients and fertilizer loss
9- Keep fruits such as melon and tomato from direct contact with the soil surface, and keep the product clean
10-Reduced soil compaction, soil under the mulch remains loose and friable
11-Reduced root pruning, mulch reduces injury to crop roots