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Topsoil - What Is It?
Topsoil mystery
Topsoil is a word that is often used by gardeners and those green-fingered people who seemingly appear to be ‘in-the-know’, but it’s worth asking the question ‘what is topsoil?’
In short, topsoil is simply the name given to the thin layer of soil that can be found on the Earth’s surface in which plants, trees and other living organic matter grows. It is higher in the essential mix of minerals and nutrients than other forms of surface coverings such as sand and rock and is often viewed as the life-blood of the gardening world. Without good, suitable topsoil, plants die and gardeners get very upset as a result.
Topsoil as a drink
Topsoil is no great secret and it’s not hard to understand its key benefits to plant life. The two main attributes of high quality topsoil are its structure and nutrient content. The structure of topsoil determines the soil’s ability to hold water which is essential to vegetation being capable of satisfying their hydration requirements. Whilst water holding capacity is essential, a good soil structure will also allow adequate drainage to ensure that plants don’t drown in water-logged conditions.
Topsoil as a food
The nutrient content of the soil can come from its mineral make-up and from the organic matter that is present in the topsoil. This is perhaps the most variable part of topsoil and it is often common to hear gardeners complain about a soil being too clay, too sandy or lacking in nutrients. The simple fact is that these topsoil problems can usually be remedied quite easily by the addition of extra fertiliser, composted organic matter or by changing the topsoil’s acid or alkaline properties where appropriate (such as through the application of lime or Calcium Hydroxide for example).
Sometimes however, topsoil can be in such poor condition, that the simplest thing to do is to purchase high quality topsoil that has been blended specifically for the purpose required. Topsoil can be purchased for laying new turf, beds and borders or for fruit and vegetable plots.
Topsoil from Rolawn
Rolawn sell a variety of topsoils including high quality blended loam topsoil - a multi-purpose topsoil that has received many testimonials. Contact Rolawn for further information about your topsoil requirements and speak to one of our experienced topsoil advisers on 0845 604 6050 or by emailing info@rolawn.co.uk.