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.

One of the most useful things for the gardener to learn is to understand the workings of what is known as topsoil balance. The chemistry and physics of topsoil can be learnt from topsoil balance. It includes understanding topsoil physics, chemistry and biology which help to make sure that the topsoil’s structure, nutrients and biology are all balanced perfectly.

The Mikhail system is well-known for topsoil balance maintenance. Using this system of topsoil management gives the soil friability and helps living organisms and to survive giving better soil composition and structure. Rather like the human body, it requires a good skeleton on which all the other physical attributes can be held together. Potassium, Hydrogen, Magnesium, Sodium and Calcium are all essential elements in good healthy Topsoil.

Biology and nutrients are kept in order within the topsoil by use of the Mikhail system. These then also need to be in balance with the structure Essential elements for plant nutrition are Phosphorous, Potassium, Nitrogen and Sulphur. To help boost these elements, fertilisers could be added to topsoil once the condition of the soil’s structure has been improved. The most common fertiliser is known as NPK, and most general fertilisers actually consist of these chemical elements. A topsoil’s trace element content is particularly important.

Testing the topsoil is the best way to discover exactly what is missing, what isn’t and how improvements can be made. Using soil testing apparatus is the perfect way to test the soil and get the necessary information for making improvements. The required fertiliser, lime and other soil improving material can then be obtained to ensure that the topsoil performs better.