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Glite Dictionary
to topdress

to topdress

8.4
To spread a thin layer of fertilizer or compost over the ground
  • verb
  • /ˈtɑːpˌdrɛs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : abonar
  • Topdressing application on fairways, greens, and tees is most effective after core aeration and with debris swept away.
  • topdressed with compost
  • topdress the soil

Examples

  • The primary compost markets are topdressing, soil blends, or mulch.

    Academic text (1999)

  • The freshly spread soil is then topdressed with compost.

    Academic text (1997)

  • The remedial effects of oversowing and topdressing slip-scarred pastures are often short-lived.

    Academic text (1991)

  • To keep them in top shape, topdress each spring with compost or aged manure.

  • Welch recommends topdressing containers with compost in spring.

  • Remove any weeds that have taken up residence in your bed and then topdress your bed with 2 inches (5 cm) of organic compost or mulch.

Synonyms

to mulch
vsto topdress
4 5.2

To cover soil with leaves or wood chips to keep it moist, stop weeds, and improve the soil

focuses on scattering materials to fertilize not just moisture control
to muck
vsto topdress
2 7.9

To spread manure on land to help plants grow

scatters different materials over the surface instead of mixing them
to manure
vsto topdress
1 4.8

To spread animal or plant waste on soil to help plants grow

scatters various materials across soil surface without mixing them in
to dung
vsto topdress
7.7

To put animal waste on soil to make plants grow better

uses scattering of various materials not only animal waste
to bestrew
vsto topdress
  • Archaic
9.9

To cover a surface by scattering things like papers or flowers

applies to purposeful soil surface treatment for nutrients or protection

How Much

to cover
∞ 1.0
to topdress
  • Specialized
8.4
to spread
664 1.6
to sprinkle
100 1.1
to dust
54 2.5

Surface Forms

topdress infinitive
topdressed past
topdressed past participle
topdressing present participle
topdresses third person singular

Morphology

topdress = top + dress (transparent) = top + dress

Meaning is directly built from 'top' + 'dress' (to apply/cover on the top surface), so a learner who knows those words can infer the sense.

Etymology

Topdress comes from top + dress, where dress here means 'to add a covering'—the same idea as when you 'dress' a wound or 'dress' a salad. So to topdress is to put a 'dressing' on the land 'on top', that is, to scatter fertilizer or compost over the surface instead of mixing it into the soil.