How does mulch contribute to soil moisture conservation?

Mulch plays a significant role in conserving soil moisture primarily by moderating root soil temperatures. When applied to the soil surface, mulch acts as an insulating layer that can help regulate the temperature of the soil beneath it. This insulation effect prevents extreme temperature fluctuations, helping to keep the soil cooler during hot weather and warmer during cold conditions. By maintaining a more consistent soil temperature, mulch indirectly conserves moisture because plants are less stressed by temperature extremes and can better utilize the water available in the soil.

This temperature moderation can lead to reduced evaporation rates, allowing more moisture to remain in the soil, which is vital for plant health and effective irrigation management. The other options, while relating to soil and plant health, do not directly contribute to moisture conservation in the same effective manner that temperature moderation does.