If you’re someone that is new to the world of growing plants, there’s a lot for you to learn and one of these things includes the use of topsoil. If you want to make sure that you’re getting the best product that is available out there for your plants, you need to make sure that you’re getting that suits your needs.
The Importance of Topsoil
If you’re new to this field, you might not be aware of what topsoil really is. Topsoil, as suggested by the term itself, is the outer layer of soil. Topsoil is usually two to twelve inches deep, measured from the surface to the subsoil layer. The creation of topsoil could take a century of weathering rocks and decomposition of organic matter and it is usually made up of ingredients such as clay, sand, and silt.
Plants also spread their roots into the topsoil layer, particularly because it contains a lot of minerals and nutrients. Apart from that, topsoil can also contain other things such as manure, bacteria, worms, Minco-organisms, and insects that make it very fertile for plants to grow.
Topsoil: What You Need to Know
Topsoil is commonly used for gardening, particularly because of the many benefits that it offers. Typically, new gardens are layered with topsoil to help new plants adapt and grow in a healthy environment. Topsoil can also be added to gardens that inherently have a low quality of soil, improving the fertility of the soil and allowing it to grow plants. Moreover, gardens in areas that are dominated by sand can also be reclaimed using topsoil to make them capable of growing plants.
Improved plant health
Topsoil itself is brimming with a rich mix of nutrients that are healthy for plants. Moreover, topsoil also improves nutrient retention, which means that any additional nutrients that you add to your plants would be retained in a more effective manner.
Improves moisture retention
Topsoil locks in moisture and retains water in a more effective manner and reduces the evaporation that is necessary for the growth of a plant. It also makes your plants more drought-resistant. If you’re in a place that frequently experiences droughts, good-quality topsoil will make it easier for your plants to survive.
Improves drainage
The nature of topsoil allows it to drain really well. If your plants suffer due to poor drainage, good-grade topsoil is likely to reduce this problem
Reduction in erosion
Erosion can be really bad for your plants, especially if it strips them away of crucial nutrients and minerals. Generally, root structures grow and spread really well in topsoil, which in turn protects the topsoil itself.
What Are the Different Types of Topsoil?
Topsoil can be classified into a few structure types. Here’s everything that you need to know about them:
Sand soil
Sand soils have a higher proportion of sand and traces of clay, making them characteristically dry and light. Due to the nature of this soil, rain is likely to strip it of a lot of nutrients. On the flip side, this soil drains well and it is very easy to utilize.
Clay soil
For topsoil to be classified as clay soil, it must be made up of over 25% clay, which makes it heavier and more difficult to operate. Since the heavier nature of this soil makes it nutrient-rich, the rain is less likely to wash away the nutrients. As a downside, clay soil usually does not drain well and will remain cold and wet in winter.
Silt soil
As far as the size of particles is concerned, silt soil is somewhere between clay soil and sand soil, allowing it to retain water for a longer period of time. On the other hand, this soil does not drain very well.
Peat soil
The origins of peat soil make it highly fertile and rich in organic matter. Since it formed over 9,000 years ago, it contains the nutrients of the many plants that died in melting glaciers. This soil also retains water really well, making it suitable for places that are prone to droughts.
Loam soil
Loam soil is very common and it is often considered a very safe option to go with, particularly because it’s a mixture of soil, silt, and clay. Characteristically, it combines the benefits of all of the components that it is made up of, making it a suitable option that has a very wide application.
What Are the Different Grades of Topsoil?
The grade of topsoil refers to how fine it is. Generally speaking, you will find it categorized into three grades:
Premium grade topsoil
Premium grade topsoil is the finest quality of topsoil that is available out there. It does not contain any weed seeds, metals, or diseases. This makes it highly fertile and perfectly suited for young lawns and new plants.
General-purpose grade topsoil
General-purpose grade topsoil is the most common type that is used out there, particularly because the quality is just fine enough for most projects and it strikes the right balance between quality and price. It is reasonably rich in nutrients and can be used to lay the base for new beds and young lawns.
Economy-grade topsoil
Economy-grade topsoil does not go through any screening process. It is supplied in the very form that it is dug out in, and since it is very cheap his grade is perfectly suited for projects where you need quantity over quality.
Because it is not tested, it’s generally not suited for houseplants. Insects like fungus gnats, for example, will lay their eggs in the soil. If the soil dries out, these eggs will remain dormant until they are rehydrated.
Tips for Buying Topsoil
Here are a few things to keep in mind while buying topsoil for your plants:
- You should check the credentials of the supplier before completing your purchase. This will ensure that you’re getting what you’re paying for. Also, always screen the topsoil for weeds and other contaminants such as brick, glass, and metals.
- The amount of topsoil is usually measured in cubic feet, allowing you to effectively gauge the amount that would be required. If you want a higher quantity, you can purchase it in bulk.
- The topsoil that you get should be 100% organic and filtered for pests. If you purchase topsoil that’s not filtered, you run the risk of your plants being munched away by fungus gnat larvae and other insects that have remained dormant in the soil.
- To ensure your plants are receiving the right amount of nutrients, be sure to check out the analysis report of the soil. A deficiency of phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium can lead to stunted growth. Luckily, these things can be easily solved with a nutrient supplement. If you want to create an at-home remedy, you can just mix topsoil with compost to create an effective potting mix.
