Bulk Topsoil

Topsoil cannot be man-made. You can’t buy “new dirt.”

It takes over 500 years for the earth to create 1-inch of topsoil. Topsoil is excellent for landscaping and filling spaces, but potting soil is better if you need a growing medium for container plants. Topsoil contains a broader range of nutrients than lawn soil, which typically only contains those added by fertilizer. The more organic material in the topsoil, the richer it is in essential plant nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. To fill a garden bed, you need at least 8 inches of depth of topsoil. New lawns will do best if you spread a layer of 3-6 inches of topsoil before planting.

Since farmers began tilling the land in the Midwest 160 years ago, 57.6 billion metric tons of topsoil have eroded.  Degraded soil makes growing food more difficult and expensive. Without healthy soil, farmers won’t be able to grow nutrient-dense food to feed our growing population. The calculated loss in the region is part of a critical issue; some experts suspect that Earth will run out of usable topsoil within 60 years. When topsoil erodes, the nutrients crops need go with it, making it more difficult for soil to store water and support plant growth. Farmers can lose 50 to 70 percent of their yield potential because of the loss of topsoil.

Topsoil is often used for top dressing lawn or turf. The process of topdressing helps to smooth the surface of the lawn and reduces that build up as it speeds up the process of decomposition. Additionally, topsoil can be used to top dress after seeding as this helps to protect the plants as they are developing and becoming established. Other common uses for topsoil include creating a base for turf to be laid or grass to be seeded as well as in raised garden beds.

It’s generally not a good idea to replace all of the soil in your garden with topsoil. Use enriched top dressing soil to improve your soil by tilling the soil in your garden and adding a thin layer to the top. Next, till the soil again until the topsoil layer becomes incorporated into the existing soil. Then, add a new layer of soil on top and you’re ready to start planting.

If using topsoil to encourage the growth of your lawn, spread a thin layer of topsoil across the entire lawn, filling in holes and smoothing out the surface. Make sure that the topsoil layer is not too thick to ensure that air can still reach the roots. The additional layer of topsoil will assist in the decomposition of any stems and grass clippings, allowing your lawn to flourish.

Let our team at Pantano be your convenient bulk materials resource for that finishing touch to complete your outdoor vision. For more information or to place an order contact Nick Lofferdo, Bulk Products Manager.