Should Dry Plants and Grasses Be Cut or Left Standing Before Summer?
Many of us ask ourselves: On Mallorca, should we cut dry plants and grasses before summer, or is it better to leave them standing to protect and regenerate the soil?
I, Francesco del Orbe, Guardian of the Earth, will take you on a journey through the unique features of our soil and explain what truly helps.
What is best for Mallorca’s soils?
During Mallorca’s hot, dry summer, it’s especially important to protect the soil from sun, dehydration, and erosion.
The answer is clear: Leave the dry plants and grasses standing or let them lie as mulch on the soil – until the summer heat has passed.
Why?
- Soil protection: Any layer of organic material – whether upright or lying down – protects the soil from direct sunlight and slows down evaporation.
- Mulch effect: Plant remains act as mulch, help retain moisture in the soil, and protect against erosion.
- Regeneration: As the dead plant material decomposes, it returns nutrients to the soil and supports soil life.
Standing vs. Lying Plant Material?
| Advantages of Standing Stalks | Advantages of Lying Stalks (Mulch) |
| Habitat for beneficial insects | Direct, widespread soil protection |
| Protection of plant crowns | More effective at reducing evaporation |
| Provides shade, but less coverage | Retains moisture in the soil for longer |
For pure soil protection and moisture retention, lying plant remains (as mulch) are more effective than leaving them standing.
Standing stalks provide some shade but allow more sunlight and heat to reach the soil. A full layer of mulch protects the soil more efficiently from drying out and erosion.
When should you remove the plant remains?
- Before summer: Do not remove them! Otherwise, the soil is left unprotected under the blazing sun.
- After summer: Remove the remains when the heat subsides or when you plan to replant or reseed.
- Exception: If there is a fungus or pest infestation, you should remove and dispose of the remains to avoid spreading.
Conclusion:
On Mallorca, to protect and regenerate farmland soil, it’s best to leave dry plants and grasses standing or on the ground before summer. They protect the soil from drying out and from erosion. Only after summer or when planting anew should you remove them.
If you’re thinking about a specific crop or plant, feel free to ask – I’ll be happy to give more specific advice!
With love for the Earth,
Author: Francesco del Orbe 🌍
