Topsoil is one of nature’s blessings to us all. Topsoil carries significant importance which can often be overlooked. One fact is certain; without topsoil planet Earth would be in serious trouble because all living organisms and their habitats would be under severe pressure to survive. Many scientists have predicted that the lack of sun caused from any future nuclear world war could end life on Earth as we know it, and now, the erosion of the Earth’s topsoil could produce much the same effect.

What is almost too terrible to contemplate is the fact that topsoil erosion is occurring incredible quickly across the globe. Studies have shown that the world’s topsoil could be completely depleted in the next sixty years unless serious action is taken to prevent topsoil erosion on its current scale.

intensive farming methods have taken the blame for the destruction of the world’s topsoil. The main reasons for topsoil erosion have been the increased use of mass ploughing techniques across the globe. This practice can encourage the breakdown of the organic matter within the topsoil that holds it together. Wind and rain will wash topsoil away if it no longer contains the relevant amount of organic matter to prevent it from being destroyed.

There have been many studies that show heavy global farming practices are one of the primary causes of the erosion of topsoil. However, for the industry to change it must still take into account the requirements for farming to provide enough food to feed the world. Experts ion the workld of famring methods are recommending the uptake of ‘No Till’ farming which avoids the heavy use of ploughing and topsoil turning.

‘No Till’ prevents excessive topsoil agitation at all times. Topsoil benefits by the organic matter left in the ground after harvest, from wheat stubble and many other kinds of crops. Of course, the additional organic material helps prevent erosion by the wind and the rain.

A concern however is that ‘No Till’ farming produces less crops in the same time and space of conventional farming methods. A balance needs to be found quickly however, otherwise we may be ruing the day that as a world population, we did nothing to protect one of our most essential resources.

There are various methods to keep a healthy topsoil in your garden, however, which way you choose will depend entirely on the quality of the topsoil in the first place.

Soil balance is a useful way for garden keepers to learn about the workings of their topsoil and therefore to be able to improve it. The balance of topsoil is a great way to learn about the chemical and physical properties of topsoil. 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.

Using a system called Mikhail topsoil balance can be maintained easily. This system of topsoil balancing focuses firstly on the soil’s structure which enables good friability and topsoil composition so that living organisms can flourish. Topsoil is a little like the body of humans which needs a skeleton on which its other body components can be attached. 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. Balancing the structure is then important. Nutrients which are essential to plant life are Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and Sulphur. To help boost these elements, fertilisers could be added to topsoil once the condition of the soil’s structure has been improved. Most general garden fertilisers are based on NPK, which provides these essential chemical elements. Topsoils also need to have the correct levels of trace elements.

Performing tests on topsoil will enable the missing components of the soil to be amended as required. 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.

In some major urban areas, building construction is taking away land for planting grass and trees. To make up for the scarce land resources, some buildings have grass and lightweight trees planted on their rooftops. The grass is not the typical kind we see on someone’s lawn, but rather a rugged, durable type of grass that doesn’t require artificial watering or fertilizing. It also acts as a natural air-conditioner for the top floors of a building, keeping them cooler during the summer and warmer in the winter. If done on a large scale, the environmental benefits seem effective. But is their a down side to this as well?
Some great answers so far. The reason I asked is because I’ve been asked to take part in a large-scale project for rooftop landscaping in China (mostly translating for them). They are using a type of grass (They call it Fojia grass – part of the sedum family) that only requires a finger digit’s length of soil to grow. The roots are non-penetrating so they don’t harm the roof structure. The grass doesn’t need cutting, and the older grass serves as fertilizer for the seedlings when it falls. Because of the dry temperatures in northern China, excess water on the rooftop is never a probelm. I’ve heard of several benefits but I want to be aware of any doubts people have so I can address them properly. Seems like a worthy cause, best to be prepared.