The Difference Between Mulch and Compost
...grate mulch, i.e. partially rotted material, like wood chips or straw into soil you’ll cause a temporary nitrogen deficiency. Mulch should be used as a top-dressing that both saves water and, over time, contributes soil nutrients as it breaks down. The confusion stems from the fact that you can use compost as mulch and from the fact that a pile of mulch will eventually break down and become compost. I’d also argue that there’s a problem with the d...