Screened topsoil is a friable soil that contains naturally occurring organic matter and a small amount of grit to assist with drainage. It contains very minable stone content because it has been screened twice.
Screened topsoil is a peat-free sandy loam topsoil that is free of weeds and large rocks- perfect soil for general use in garden beds and borders. It is ideal for gardens where drainage is a problem or there is a high clay consistency.
Topsoil is the upper, outermost layer of soil, usually the top 5–10 inches (13–25 cm). It has the highest concentration of organic matter and microorganisms, and is where most of the Earth’s biological soil activity occurs.
There is generally a high concentration of roots in topsoil, as this is where plants obtain most of their vital nutrients. It is composed of mineral particles, organic matter, water, and air. Organic matter varies in quantity between different soils.
The strength of soil structure decreases with the presence of organic matter, creating weak bearing capacities. Organic matter condenses and settles in different ways under certain conditions, such as roadbeds and foundations.
The structure becomes affected once the soil is dehydrated. Dehydrated topsoil volume substantially decreases and may suffer wind erosion.
The advantages are:
- Improved drought resistance
- Better plant health
- Better drainage
- More nutrients