Topsoil should not contain too much clay or have an acidic pH. You

existing soil can be tested to detect mineral levels and overall health.

First, what is topsoil? Is it different from garden soil? Why is it important?

Topsoil is the outmost layer of earth. Usually it will stretch anywhere from

the top two to the top eight inches of soil. It has an extremely high

concentration of microorganisms and organic matter. At this level, most of

the Earth’s soil-based biological activities occur. For example, the vast

majority of plants concentrate the roots in the first few inches of earth. This

highest layer of soil ends at the first densely pack layer of subsoil. There are

many factors that go into maintaining healthy topsoil, which also happens

to be the key to most quality crops.

To start, garden soil and topsoil are very different. For those who plan to purchasespecially formulated earth for their gardens, it is important to understand thedistinction between the two. Generally, topsoil has less clay and sand compositionbecause these materials retain too much water. It is typically used for larger scalelandscaping projects. It also is a multipurpose option that contains fewer addedingredients and minerals. Conversely, garden soil has a higher concentration ofsand, silt, clay and other minerals. Packages are often specifically designed for atype of garden such flowers, vegetables or herbs.

To make the right choice in topsoil composition, a gardener or landscaper mustunderstand his or her needs. Will there be crops growing in this field? Willshrubbery and flowers dominate the area? Is there going to be livestock? Forinstance, crops of peaches do best in sandy soil, while a massive plot of grass cansurvive well with a less expensive multi-purpose option. Once there is a consensuson what exactly is needed, homeowners or landscapers should perform tests on theexisting soil to find out what is already there. Sometimes, adding a specific mineralcan balance the pH or increase phosphorus levels, which can minimize the cost andtime spent on the project.

A soil test should be performed when beginning agardening or landscaping endeavor. There is a fullgambit of minerals to check to make sure the topsoil ishealthy. To begin, the pH or acid/base level should bewithin 5.8 to 6.2. This means a slightly more basic thanwater, which is the standard of neutrality. Phosphorousand potassium should be in the index of 50.Manganese, zinc and copper should be less than 25 onthe index. Additionally, calcium should be 40 to 60percent of the Cation Exchange Capacity or CEC. Tolearn more about soil in Morgan Hill please visit thiswebsite www.usaverockerymorganhill.com/