Inorganic Padding: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Uses

In gardening and horticulture, it is common to relate the term padding, mulch, or mulching to a natural coverage that is applied on the ground and that is usually composed of materials of organic origin, that is, from something that was alive at the time, such as the case of the remains of pruning, food, leaves, and compost, among others. However, there is also inorganic padding, which is one that is made of non-living materials and whose particular characteristics will be seen in this article.


First of all, it should be clarified that the mulch serves mainly to modify the effects of the local climate on the soil and the plants that grow in it, helping to conserve moisture, improve the fertility and health of the soil, reduce the growth of weeds and enhance the visual appeal of the place.


The inorganic padded, as stated above, consists of non - living materials, so they are not biodegradable, ie that does not decompose, or disintegrate very slowly only after a long interval time period. They are usually made from rock or gravel scraps, plastic sheeting, fabric cuts, and pieces of rubber. you may also be interested in brush clearing

This ability to fulfill their covering function longer than organic mulches is their main advantage, as they will not need to be reapplied or completed as often as a pine mulching, for example. That makes it a profitable alternative even though its initial cost may be higher than its organic counterparts.


The inorganic padding is also useful to add aesthetic value to a garden and more effectively suppress weeds that may compete with plants cultivated by the stored nutrients in the soil.


In addition to these advantages, it is necessary to take into account what are the possible disadvantages of the use of this type of coverage. For example, mulches made of stones, plastics, or rubber will not provide new nutrients to the soil because such materials do not decompose, and may even prevent some of these artificially supplied elements vital for growth and development from coming into contact with the soil. dirt, especially in the case of very dense or compact layers of padding.


Also, this kind of padding does not help retain moisture in the same way that organic mulching would.


For all these reasons, it is convenient to know in which cases the different types of inorganic padding can be used :


Rock mulches: They can make a place like a flower bed look cleaner and more attractive, and when used in conjunction with plastic or fabric, they more easily kill weeds. Its use is recommended in areas without plants or with specimens resistant to drought conditions since due to its absorption and reflection capacity of the sun's heat, they can make the covered area very hot and dry.


Inorganic mulches made from plastic sheeting are very good at suppressing weeds and last a long time. Its use around plants, especially trees and shrubs with very widespread roots, is not recommended, since this material does not allow water, air, or nutrients to reach the ground.


Mulches made from good-quality cloth pieces are also good at removing weeds while allowing water, air, and nutrients to pass through. Why is the insistence that good quality fabric is used? Simply because a cheap material can easily tear or break, rendering it useless to fulfill the function of ground cover.


Finally, inorganic rubber mulches offer the advantage of effectively eliminating weeds and contributing to the retention of soil moisture. It comes in different colors to give it a more interesting ornamental value, and it is usually used to cover the surfaces of playgrounds.


Despite these advantages, this type of material can be highly flammable, and some experts advise against its use, at least until it has been determined that it is not toxic to people, animals, and plants in the home.