This review article discusses the benefits of mulching in dryland agriculture, focusing on its role in enhancing crop yield and conserving soil moisture. Mulching is a water conservation practice used in arid areas to preserve soil moisture, control temperature, and minimize evaporation. Organic mulching improves soil structure, increases organic matter, and enhances water retention. Mulching with composted yard waste increases soil nutrient levels, including phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and organic matter. Plastic mulch releases soluble nutrients as organic matter decomposes, improving soil nutrient availability. Mulching reduces soil water loss, erosion, weed growth, and competition for nutrients and water with nearby fields. It also helps retain moisture in the root zone, allowing plants to receive water for extended periods. Mulching has several advantages for dryland agriculture, including reducing soil water loss, soil erosion, weed growth, water droplet kinetic energy, and competition for nutrients and water with nearby fields. The review highlights the effectiveness of mulching in water conservation, particularly in arid regions where agricultural sustainability is at risk due to drought, heat stress, and inefficient use of limited water resources. Mulching is essential for minimizing surface evaporation and decreasing water loss. The review thoroughly examines the advantages of organic and synthetic mulches in crop production and their use in preserving soil and water resources. The study also discusses the impact of different mulch types on soil temperature, moisture, and fertility, as well as the economic benefits of mulching. The review concludes that mulching is a crucial practice in dryland agriculture, as rising temperatures and erratic rainfall can impact crop yield and soil moisture preservation. It is necessary to maintain soil moisture and make the most use of water. Mulching materials may decrease nitrate leaching, increase microbial activity, and enhance soil characteristics. However, the ecology of the soil and the environment are adversely affected by plastic mulching. Research is also ongoing on new mulching materials, including textile, petroleum-based, and biodegradable options. There is a need for further research since mulches made from recycled paper may leak into soil surfaces. Understanding the mechanics of water flow and the interplay between soil mulch and the plant-canopy interface is crucial for optimizing mulching methods in agricultural soil.This review article discusses the benefits of mulching in dryland agriculture, focusing on its role in enhancing crop yield and conserving soil moisture. Mulching is a water conservation practice used in arid areas to preserve soil moisture, control temperature, and minimize evaporation. Organic mulching improves soil structure, increases organic matter, and enhances water retention. Mulching with composted yard waste increases soil nutrient levels, including phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and organic matter. Plastic mulch releases soluble nutrients as organic matter decomposes, improving soil nutrient availability. Mulching reduces soil water loss, erosion, weed growth, and competition for nutrients and water with nearby fields. It also helps retain moisture in the root zone, allowing plants to receive water for extended periods. Mulching has several advantages for dryland agriculture, including reducing soil water loss, soil erosion, weed growth, water droplet kinetic energy, and competition for nutrients and water with nearby fields. The review highlights the effectiveness of mulching in water conservation, particularly in arid regions where agricultural sustainability is at risk due to drought, heat stress, and inefficient use of limited water resources. Mulching is essential for minimizing surface evaporation and decreasing water loss. The review thoroughly examines the advantages of organic and synthetic mulches in crop production and their use in preserving soil and water resources. The study also discusses the impact of different mulch types on soil temperature, moisture, and fertility, as well as the economic benefits of mulching. The review concludes that mulching is a crucial practice in dryland agriculture, as rising temperatures and erratic rainfall can impact crop yield and soil moisture preservation. It is necessary to maintain soil moisture and make the most use of water. Mulching materials may decrease nitrate leaching, increase microbial activity, and enhance soil characteristics. However, the ecology of the soil and the environment are adversely affected by plastic mulching. Research is also ongoing on new mulching materials, including textile, petroleum-based, and biodegradable options. There is a need for further research since mulches made from recycled paper may leak into soil surfaces. Understanding the mechanics of water flow and the interplay between soil mulch and the plant-canopy interface is crucial for optimizing mulching methods in agricultural soil.