Topsoil, Mulch, and Gravel

The activities involved with construction remove, bury and damage soil, and it may look that adding new soil is the only way to create a surroundings and garden, but with today's methods it's easier and less expensive to improve the existing soil than to get new topsoil. A poor soil, for instance one damaged by construction, can be improved by mixing in organic matter. This can be accomplished by applying a one to three-inch layer of compost, and mixing this compost in with the existing soil. If it proves necessary to add new topsoil, measure the soil quality before buying it. The most important soil qualities to consider are: the soil texture and consistancy, the organic matter content in the soil, the pH of the soil, and the soluble salts in the soil. Naturally occurring topsoils vary widely in quality. There is absolutely no one official or authorized definition for topsoil. Practically, topsoil can be considered the top six to ten inches of soil, or the soil as a result of the depth exposed as a result of plowing or through cultivation. Topsoil usually differs from the underlying soil by having a higher organic matter content, a darker color, better tillage possibilities, and a higher biological activity. This includes earthworms, bacteria, and fungus. Topsoil is less compact than the underlying subsoil and thus facilitates plant growth. This external link was removed for your protection This external link was removed for your protection This external link was removed for your protection This external link was removed for your protection