- Conserve moisture in the soil, retaining up to 73% of water which usually evaporates from the surface.

- Protect the roots from seasonal temperature variations by sustaining the higher temperature in winter and lower – in summer.

- Create unfavourable conditions for weed growing, by preventing light to the soil surface.

- Protect soil from erosion, by preventing the rain to wash out, and wind – to carry away its particles.

- Enable easier breathing for roots, by maintaining more mellow soil and preventing the crust formation.