The first six to 12 inches of loose soil in your yard or garden is known as topsoil. According to Affordable Landscape Supplies in Burlington, KY, this type of soil is necessary for providing nutrients to any plants in the area so they are able to grow. If you are trying to test the topsoil on your property, below are some qualities topsoil in good condition should have.

4 Qualities Your Topsoil Should Possess

1. It Has a Darker Tone

Although some people believe good top soil should be very black, this is not necessarily true. Your topsoil is a mixture of minerals and organic material. While the organic material helps plants grow easier and contributes to its darker color, soil that is extremely black is actually an indicator that it lacks minerals (phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, potassium). Conversely, if your soil is very light in color, this means it is lacking organic material.

2. It Crumbles Between Your Fingers

To test that your topsoil has the right amount of minerals, you should rub a small amount between your fingers. It should easily crumble between your fingers and feel gritty. If the soil is too hard, this is a sign that it is low in organic matter. If it clumps or forms large chunks, you could have too much clay in your soil, which could interfere with your plant's ability to aerate. Too much clay can also stop water from reaching the roots effectively.

3. It Has a pH Level Between 5.5 to 7.5

Your soil’s pH level is a good indicator of how healthy it is. This determines how well plants will absorb the nutrients in the soil they require to grow. If the soil is too acidic or alkaline, they could suffer from nutritional deficiencies. A good topsoil should lie somewhere between 5.5 and 7.5 on the pH scale.

4. It Contains Few to No Weeds

Although it is almost impossible for topsoil to contain zero weed seeds, there should be very few. This is why it is so important to purchase your soil from a reputable landscape supplier; otherwise, you could find your lawn covered in a brand-new patch of ground ivy, nutgrass, or other common weeds. Also, when cultivating your soil, don’t go too deep and disturb any seeds already lying dormant in your yard.

If your yard is in need of high-quality topsoil or other landscaping materials, contact Affordable Landscape Supplies today at (859) 586-9142. You can also learn more about the materials they carry by visiting their website and connecting with them on Facebook.