What Is Topsoil Made Of?
Topsoil is the outer layer of the Earth's crust and is generally considered to be between 2 to 8 inches deep. Topsoil is an integral part of the Earth's surface because most plants get their nutrients from it. Gardeners and landscapers often buy topsoil for garden and landscape projects. Purchasing topsoil helps ensure that plants will have their nutritional needs met.
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Composition
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The necessary composition of topsoil depends of what you intend to grow. Plants generally require a particular pH level. A pH level below 7 indicates a acidic soil. A pH level above 7 is an alkaline, or basic, soil.
Good Soil
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A good topsoil should be moist, crumbly and full of chunks of dirt and plant material. Unhealthy topsoil is generally dry and gray.
Geography
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Not all topsoil is the same, and its composition can vary greatly from place to place. Some places naturally have more acidic or alkaline topsoils, and some locations have more clay or silt in the topsoil. Environmental conditions are one factor that affect the composition of topsoil.
Erosion
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Topsoil erosion caused by water runoff is a major concern in some areas because plant life is severely affected by the loss of topsoil. Most plants need it to survive, so erosion can result in a depletion of plant life.
Farming
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Topsoil is extremely important to farming because crops need its nutrients to grow and thrive, making farmers profitable. Farmers rotate crops form year to year and let fields lie empty to maximize the topsoil.
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