What can I use Topsoil for?

Topsoil can be used for a multitude of projects, including for use in raised beds and planters as well as for use within borders; it can also be used when laying new turf or encouraging new lawn growth.

If using in planters or raised beds, it’s always recommended to include additional organic matter from Melcourt's wide range of products, such as Composted Fine Bark, Sylvagrow, and Sylvagrow Farmyard Manure.

What is the difference between regular soil & Topsoil?

Topsoil can contain more nutrients and organic matter than regular soil, meaning it works with you to provide balanced nutrients to nurture your plants. Using Topsoil means overtime your will improve the quality of your soil in the long run, which is great for the future of your growing.

There are 6 main soil types to bear in mind, each having their own benefits & drawbacks with certain plants. These soil types are categorised under the following:

• Clay
• Chalk
• Loam
• Peat
• Sandy
• Silty
  
  Using Melcourt Topsoil gives your plants access to higher levels of nutrients and organisms within the soil structure. Good soil = good growth. Equally, the more effort you put into improving your soil, the more you will yield from your plants and vegetables.
  
  

How much Topsoil do I need?

When using Melcourt Topsoil for raised beds, you should measure the square footage and the depth of the bed to work out how much soil is required in litres. Useful tip 1 cubic meter equals 1,000 litres. 

The science bit 

You may remember our article on the NPK Ratio, this guide explains the importance of why each of these nutrients are beneficial to your lawn. 

Nitrogen: Helps support lush green growth, beneficial for plants that are almost all leaves as it helps to support future leaf growth.

Phosphorus: Stimulates root development.

Potassium: also known as potash, supports fruit and flower production.

You'll also see there is Magnesium mentioned in the below chart, Magnesium is important for the uptake of valuable nutrients and aids with seed formation. It also helps with dark green colours leaves and is important when it comes to Photosynthesis. 

Regarding Cation exchange capacity (pronounced ka-tai-uhn),  simply refers to a measure how strongly any growing media can hold onto nutrients within the soil system itself. As a note, clay based soils tend to lean towards higher value of cation exchange capacity.

Should you wish to find out more about the typical specifications for Melcourt Topsoil, while please see below. 

The product shall consist of manufactured British topsoil with an even nominal particle size distribution to be 0-20 mm. Typical product analysis in accordance with BS 3882:2015.

Technical Specification

Main Constituent: Soil
Origin: British
Nominal particle size range: mm 0-20 mm
Typical Bulk Density Range: 900 - 1200 kg/m3
Dry matter: 70%
Organic matter: 4-9%
Texture: Sandy Loam
pH: 7.0-8.2
Peat Content: 0% 
Cation exchange capacity: high
Nitrogen (N): high > 0.2% m/m
Phosphorus (P): Med >50mg/l
Potassium (K): High >600 mg/l
Magnesium (Mg): Med >100mg/l
Electrical conductivity: 1400 µS/cm
Trace Elements: medium-high

All values given in the Technical Specification are typical. However, some variation may occur from time to time. 

Melcourt Topsoil

A carefully manufactured, high quality soil, consisting of sandy loam and organic matter, suitable for a wide range of professional and domestic applications. Carefully blended, fine textured, free-flowing, easy to handle and virtually stone free.

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