Lesson 5: Composting
Lesson 7: Mulching
Mulching means covering the soil around a plant with a protective layer.
This lesson is useful for both vocational training students in Sierra Leone and online students.
You will learn how mulching helps young trees survive by protecting the soil, keeping moisture in the ground, reducing weeds and improving soil life.
Learn by watching, doing the practical activity if possible, uploading your work and reflecting on what you learned.
Mulching is one of the most important skills for helping young trees survive.
In Sierra Leone, young trees often face strong sun, heavy rain, weeds and dry soil. Mulching helps protect the soil and gives the tree a better chance to grow.
In this lesson, you learn:
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what mulching is
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which materials can be used as mulch
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why dry grass, dry leaves, crop residues and compost are useful
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how mulch keeps water in the soil
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how mulch reduces weeds
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how mulch protects soil from heat and heavy rain
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how deep the mulch layer should be
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why mulch should not touch the tree stem
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which common mulching mistakes can harm a young tree
Online students can also follow this lesson. It is useful if you want to understand how simple actions can protect trees and improve soil.
Watch the lesson, do the practical activity if possible, upload your work and reflect on what you learned.
Step 1. Click here to Watch
Learn the method step by step in the video.
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Step 2. Do
This lesson has no required practical exercise for online students.
If you want to earn points, you can upload one of these:
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a short reflection about what KETSO Academy means to you
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a drawing or note about “Plant, Learn, Grow, Inspire”
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a short comment about how students can support each other
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a short comment about one child protection rule you think is important
Step 4. Reflect
Write what you learned about mulching. Upload your reflection and AI will check your answers.
You can answer these questions:
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What is mulching?
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Which mulch materials can you find in your area?
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Why is mulch useful for young trees?
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What is the best mulch depth?
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Why should mulch not touch the stem of the tree?
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What mistake should students avoid when mulching?
Complete the lesson, upload your reflection, and earn extra points.