Does topping ur soil have a funktion

[Alexander]

Hoi all.
I was wondering, if soil being topped of, with stones surves any funktion. Or is it just decoration?
I have mij plantes toped of. Not with riverstones or something vulcanic.
Mine are toped of with small hydro pallets.
No stones availeble where i live, that i know.
But i came to like them, they have a sort of labratory feel to them. I kind of like that.
So if u have any ideas about topping.
Let me know please.
Greetings alexander

[MagiCarpus]

From my experience, top dressing serves several functions:
1) for new transplants or rootless cuttings, top dress of smaller particles stabilizes plant subjects
2) for medium that becomes too light after drying out, such as pumice or perlite, top dress weighs down the pot to prevent topple.
3) prevent medium from splashing onto the plant when watering from the top
4) decorative

[greenknight]

It also holds the soil in place, so it won't wash out a hole where you pour water on, and perlite won't float around.

[Arjen]

it also prevents moisture evaporation, useful in the summer
and it prevents the growth of algae and such

on another note, there ARE soil toppings available in your region!
(ik gebruik aquariumgrind, verkrijgbaar in verschillende maten bij: boerenbond/welkoop; intratuin; dierenwinkels; aquariumspeciaalzaken etc.)

[Alexander]

Thanks guys and u specialy for the rock tip arjen

[hegar]

I do grow about all of my cacti in the ground in a very dry and hot desert environment. Topping the bare growing medium serves the following function to me:
1. It prevents erosion, which does keep the soil in place in case of heavy occasional rains.
2. It keeps the soil moist longer and more evenly moist.
3. It keeps the soil temperature also more even and the roots of the plants near the soil surface cooler.
4. It shelters new seedlings from the sun and allows for a microclimate that suits their growth. Without it no seed will successfully germinate and grow.
5. It adds a little "structure" to the ground, making it look more attractive
6. It helps prevent soil compaction and also is a weed barrier to a certain extent.
7. It keeps the neighborhood feral cats away.

Well, that is all that comes to mind right now. I have noticed, that it results in better growth of my plants, and that is the most important thing to me.

Harald

[Alexander]

Thanks hegar
It seems like topping has a funktion.
Im gonna keep mij topping in check for the future.
Bye