Topsoil
Topsoil is the upper layer of a soil profile, usually darker in colour (because of its higher organic matter content) and more fertile than subsoil, and which is a product of natural
biological and environmental processes. Ref The HS2 London-West Midlands Environmental Statement, Glossary of terms and list of abbreviations, DETR 2013.
Topsoil is typically between 5 - 20 cm (2 - 8 inches) deep. It can also be measured as the depth from the surface level to the subsoil, i.e. the distance to the first densely-packed layer of soil.
The topsoil is where the majority of the biological soil activity occurs, as it contains the highest concentration of organic matter and microorganisms, due to decomposition from animals, plants, and so on. The topsoil contains the highest concentration of plant roots, as plants acquire the majority of their nutrients from the topsoil layer.
The main elements that make up topsoil composition are:
The soil’s strength and bearing capacity depends on its skeletal structure and decreases with the presence of organic matter.
Water run-off results in minerals from the topsoil migrating down into the subsoil which can lead to mineral deficiencies in the topsoil. The knock-on effect of this is that roots have to dig deeper for nutrients. During construction it can be necessary to strip topsoil, although it should be considered that by exposing the subsoil, the rate of erosion of soil minerals increases.
Construction work can lead to the organic matter of topsoil condensing and settling in different ways, such as in roadbeds and foundations.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
New project and cultural district described in detail.
The nature of EPCs, crticism and inaccuracies.
History, issues and redesign.
From waste recycling to energy performance the hierchy.
An introduction to WERCS and WEEE responsibilities
Dealing with 2 million tonnes of waste equipment a year.
Global BACS Market: analytics and optimisation
A BSRIA glance at building automation and control systems.
What it is and how to use it.
Types of insulating plaster by binder and insulant.
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.