Incorporating Topsoil Into Your Gardening And Landscaping Plan

The classic and simplified definition of topsoil is, as one might guess, the top-most layer of soil here on planet earth. The layer can range from very thin, as in many mountainous areas where it could be an inch or less in depth, to a foot or more in depth in some lowland areas. This top layer contains the most organic material of any soil layer due to the decomposition of the plant and animal material above.

The composition of naturally occurring topsoil can vary greatly by geography, and can be classified into three general categories: clay, sand and silt. Each classification can, on its own, create optimum growing conditions for specific types of plants.

Clay is nutrient-rich and dense and is great at retaining water, but can be hard to work with because of its denseness, especially when dry. Sand is in many ways the opposite of clay. It is loose, drains easily and is not good at retaining minerals and nutrients, but it is a snap to take the shovel to. Silt is a combination of clay and sand and offers both the benefits and some of the drawbacks of the two.

The terms top soil and loam are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Loam is a soil mixture of clay, silt and sand, and because it combines the benefits of all three, is often used as a topsoil by home gardeners. Depending on the existing soil characteristics and the type of plants in the garden, loam as a topsoil can be procured with different combinations of clay, silt and sand, for example “sandy loam” or “sandy clay loam.

The ideal topsoil for the home gardener or landscaper depends on a number of factors. Location plays a big role. If the local soil has heavy concentrations of clay, a sandy mixture may be the best bet to achieve maximum benefits. If the existing soil is excessively sandy, a clay or silt clay blend may be the perfect solution. Different areas within the landscape or yard may need different blends, depending on what is being grown. A loam heavier on the clay may be best for some water loving flowering plants, while mixtures with more silt could benefit grasses and certain flower varieties. A low water consumption plantsuch as a cactus would do best with a sandier blend.

Armed with the knowledge of existing local soil characteristics and factoring in what flowers, grasses or other foliage are being grown, choosing the ideal topsoil or loam blendcan be the key to creating a healthy and beautiful garden and landscape.

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