Date: Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:13:00 -0400
From: Al Cooke
Subject: Re: Source for Topsoil
“Does anyone know of a good source for topsoil. . . we’d need probably four or five truckloads. We’re out Silk Hope way.”
I deal with the question of “topsoil” on a regular basis, so perhaps this public forum is a good place to address it. I have several soils texts on my shelves; none of them includes the term “topsoil” in the index. I have suggested that “topsoil” is anything that one person will put in a truck and another will pay money for. It is often the product of cleaning ditches, land clearing, or even subsoil from pond digging – probably something similar to what you already have. According to a Department of Agriculture Publication, “bulk lots of North Carolina topsoil rarely meet the standards of a good topsoil.” I have never seen nor heard of a place where “topsoil” is mined.
Even if you are dealing with subsoil, I would be more inclined to amend that with compost or other organic amendment rather than take the risk of buying “topsoil” that someone delivers in the back of a truck.
Let me hasten to add that there are compost businesses that sell various mixes of soil or “topsoil” mixed with compost. These may be good products. You can usually find an acceptable “topsoil” product in bags, albeit not cost effective.
At any rate, any product called “topsoil” by the truckload is likely no better than what you already have. “Fill dirt” is probably a more accurate term. If fill is what you need, it will probably do. But if you want something to grow plants, you’re better off introducing heavy equipment, if that’s what it takes, and cultivating the soil you have. At that point, if you want to add compost or other organic amendments, so much the better. But please be aware that there is no magic called “topsoil” that will work wonders. There is no legal definition for “topsoil” that will assure you that what is in that truck meets any criteria at all.
Al Cooke
Extension Agent, Horticulture
Chatham County Center
N.C. Cooperative Extension
919.542-8202; Fax 919.542.8246
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/chatham/staff/acooke/home.html
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