Topsoil is, as the name suggests, the soil that sits in the first 5-10 inches of earth and arguably, it’s where the soil magic* happens.
*Magic, being the natural biological processes that occur to provide essential nutrients, water and oxygen that help plants to grow. Healthy topsoil also holds large amounts of organic carbon which helps mitigate climate change. Told you it was magic!
While you may just see it as dirt, topsoils are thriving with life. A single handful of healthy topsoil can contain an incredible diversity of tens of thousands of species of microscopic bacteria, funghi, viruses and other organisms such as worms.
These microbes work closely with each other to form complex networks and break down organic materials, including dead plants and animals.
Feed the little guys! Hell, give them a banquet!
Microbes grow quickly in food rich environments and love to munch on organic matter such as compost. As they consume the nutrients they need, they create food for the plants such as nitrogen, carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, phosphorus, potassium and trace elements.
We test using a full soil chemistry by a skilled agronomist, who basically x-rays the soil. After we assess the bones, we then work on creating a healthy sustainable environment for the microbes and the plants.
For long term sustainability we add a balanced amount of organic matter (all part of the banquet!), which aids in the future production of nutrients without the need for heavy fertilising.
It wouldn’t be a banquet without dessert, and we like to finish things off with fertiliser and minerals for the plants to shine.
Creating good soil is an investment, but it’s one worth making.
Would you lay an asphalt road with no crushed rock base? (If you’re scratching your head, the answer is no!). Crushed rock creates a sound foundation for the long term sustainability of the asphalt road.
It’s the same principle when it comes to topsoils. Using a low quality topsoil without improvements (ameliorating) is a gamble. You may be ok to begin with, but in the long term the plants and grass will suffer, which will in turn affect the biodiversity of the area.
By using a good, healthy topsoil in the beginning, you're setting yourself up for lush grass with no bare patches, less weeds and better plants that grow and thrive.
Better plants, means more animals and insects, more animals, means more biodiversity and more biodiversity means a healthier environment.
It’s also kinder on the hip pocket as high quality soils don’t need as much fertiliser or water due to its natural retention.
Essentially, good soil is kind of a big deal for the environment and for growing healthy plants. Find out more about our services, and how to get your hands on some seriously good dirt, here.
