ORGANIC MULCHING Guide
For Riverina Citrus Growers
Why Switch to Organic Mulch?
| Benefit | Impact on Your Farm |
|---|---|
| 💰 Major Cost Savings | Reduce herbicide bills & cut weeding labor by 50-70% |
| 💧 Better Water Use | Improve soil moisture retention by up to 30% |
| 🌱 Healthier Soil | Increase organic matter & boost microbial activity |
| 🌳 Stronger Trees | Healthier roots, better yields, more drought resilience |
How to Apply: Get It Right
GOLDEN RULES:
DEPTH: 10-15 cm thick (4-6 inches)
TRUNK ZONE: Keep 20-30 cm clear (8-12 inches)
TIMING: Apply to weed-free soil
START SMALL: Test on 2-3 rows first
Quick Savings Calculator
*Based on a typical 5-hectare (12-acre) citrus block*
Your Current Annual Costs
| Item | Typical Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Herbicides (Materials & Application) | $1,000 |
| Manual Weeding Labour (250 hours @ $30/hr) | $7,500 |
| TOTAL CURRENT COST | $8,500/year |
One-Time Mulching Investment
| Item | Typical Setup Cost |
|---|---|
| Organic Mulch Materials (100m³ @ $40/m³) | $4,000 |
| Machine Application Labour (10 hours @ $80/hr) | $800 |
| TOTAL SETUP COST | $4,800 |
Your Potential Savings
| Timeline | Savings Calculation |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | $8,500 - $4,800 = +$3,700 |
| Year 2+ | $8,500 - $500 (top-up) = +$8,000/year |
| 3-Year Total | Over $19,700 net savings |
Local Riverina Suppliers
Wood Chips & Mulch:
Riverina Tree Services
Griffith Arborists
Local council green waste programs
Straw/Hay:
Local grain cooperatives
Farming supply stores
Neighbouring grain farms
Other Materials:
Rice hulls from local processors
Composted green waste
Agricultural by-products
Get Started Today!
Your 3-Step Start Guide:
PICK a test plot (2-3 rows)
SOURCE materials from local suppliers
APPLY using the golden rules above
Need Help? Contact:
NSW DPI Horticulture
Local Ag Extension Officer
Riverina Farming Networks
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