2.2. Preparation of ground and plant care
The ground preparation required is the same for other mulches. However with EkoCover it is important sharp rocks are completely
removed as when the product is wet they may penetrate the mat.
Fertilizing: Non in such applications as landscaping and revegetation. But yes in such applications as row crop plantings
where a grower would normally apply an appropriate base fertilizer dressing, however additional side dressing should not
be necessary due to the fertilizer incorporated in the EkoCover mat. Uniquely, EkoCover mulch mat is pre-enriched with an
organic fertilizer. The mulch mat has sufficient fertilizer to provide a continuous application of nutrients to the soil
during the mat degradation process.
Irrigation: Irrigation will be the same but most probably lower than in standard application.
EkoCover effectively retards the evaporation process. Independent research proved that EkoCover can conserve more than 80%
of the soil moisture beneath the mat, thereby saving considerable water usage and cost. Following rain / irrigation, as EkoCover
begins to dry it forms a barrier that holds the ground moisture below the mat, unlike other fully permeable mulch products.
Other mulches will allow water to transfer down through the mat; however being a geofabric construction or static mulch, evaporation
will also take place through the same holes removing much of the water from the soil back into the atmosphere.
How to improve the look of the mat: Exposure to the sun will whiten the mat's appearance.
There are a variety of ways to cover the mat should that be required. If bark or some organic mulch is used over the mat,
the thickness required will be just sufficient to cover the mat's surface as the EkoCover will be providing outstanding
weed suppression, not the bark
