There are many ways to improve topsoil and ensure that its health is assured, but whichever method is chosen, this will depend on the topsoil’s quality in the first place.

Understanding how topsoil is composed and what goes on inside it is a very useful way for gardeners to be able to improve their soil. The chemistry and physics of topsoil can be learnt from topsoil balance. The balance between nutrients, biology and topsoil structure is one of the benefits about understanding the physics and chemistry of topsoil.

The Mikhail system is well-known for topsoil balance maintenance. This system of topsoil balancing focuses firstly on the soil’s structure which enables good friability and topsoil composition so that living organisms can flourish. Rather like the human body, it requires a good skeleton on which all the other physical attributes can be held together. In soil, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium and Hydrogen are all elements essential to keeping the structure healthy.

The balance between biology and nutrients are maintained through use of the Mikhail system as well. These then also need to be in balance with the structure Nutrients which are essential to plant life are Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and Sulphur. Once the topsoil’s structure has significantly improved and balance corrected, then fertilizer can be added to maintain the correct levels of these elements. NPK is one of the most well-known fertilizers available and it can be found in almost all general garden fertilizers. A topsoil’s trace element content is particularly important.

Performing tests on topsoil will enable the missing components of the soil to be amended as required. Using soil testing apparatus is the perfect way to test the soil and get the necessary information for making improvements. All that’s then required is to purchase and administer the necessary fertilizer, add soil improving materials and lime to the soil, as and when the tests suggest.