Fertilizing over or under mulch

[Drew_from_ATX]

I recently needed to pull my mulch back to fix drip irrigation lines and noticed that roots have started to grow into the mulch. Looking forward to the next time I plan to fertilize assuming I'm going to use composted manure, do I apply it on top of the mulch or pull it back and put it underneath? Would I be doing significant harm to the plant by damaging those roots if I pulled the mulch back?

In Austin, it typically doesn't rain much, if at all, during the summer and I will be using drip irrigation. With that being the case, I wouldn't think the compost would leach into the soil if applied on top since the drip irrigation is below.

Thoughts?

[dependable]

If you put fertilizer, or compost, under the mulch, more of the nutrients will get to the plant. Or at least more directly. Probably would do no harm either way though, except possible loss of nutrients (mostly N) to air or decomposition micro organisms if left on top.