As Civil Engineers and Contractors, we are often confronted with the paradox of topsoil. While it’s an essential part of our work in landscaping and revegetation, the cost of this precious resource can prove prohibitive. Numerous factors contribute to topsoil’s high price tag, from extraction to transportation and amending efforts.
Yet, cost-effective alternatives exist, promising both financial and environmental savings. This blog post aims to provide an overview of the financial realities surrounding topsoil and compost-manufactured topsoil.
What is topsoil?
Topsoil is the uppermost layer of soil, usually the top 2 inches to 8 inches. It’s characterized by high organic matter and nutrient content, which makes it fertile and ideal for plant growth. It also has a good structure that holds water but drains well, making it the perfect environment for plant roots and topsoil organisms.
What is compost-manufactured topsoil?
Compost-manufactured topsoil (CMT), as the name suggests, is a type of produced topsoil typically consisting of 75% topsoil blended with 25% compost by volume. Compost, made from decomposed organic matter, is mixed with existing topsoil to maintain its nutrient content, structure, and water-retaining properties. This process can transform lower-quality soil into a potentially improved growing medium that performs similarly to traditional topsoil.
What are topsoil and compost-manufactured topsoil used for in civil engineering?
In civil engineering, topsoil and CMT are used for various applications. One of the most common uses is in landscaping and revegetation projects that follow construction. These materials provide a fertile environment for grass, plants, and tree growth. Beyond providing aesthetic appeal, they also play a role in soil stabilization, reducing erosion, and improving water retention, which are critical factors in many civil engineering projects.
What is the cost of topsoil and compost-manufactured topsoil?
What are the best alternatives to topsoil and compost-manufactured topsoil? There are several effective alternatives to topsoil and compost-manufactured topsoil. Soil amendments, such as compost, manure, or biochar, mixed with existing soil on-site to improve its organic content. However, these are temporary solutions that do not promote sustained, natural nutrient cycling. To provide the beneficial soil bacteria, mycorrhizae and other elements that create sustainable soil health, consider using a Biotic Soil Technology. This type of product can reduce the need for extensive top soil application, while offering soil stabilization and erosion control until vegetation is established. Products like ProGanics Biotic Soil Media also provide a cost-effective, sustainable solution, particularly for sites with challenging conditions or where traditional topsoil application is impractical.
What are the best alternatives to topsoil and compost-manufactured topsoil?
There are several effective alternatives to topsoil and compost-manufactured topsoil. Soil amendments, such as compost, manure, or biochar, can be mixed with existing soil on-site to improve its nutrient content and structure. If the need is solely focused around mitigating topsoil loss, geosynthetics offer another alternative for soil stabilization and erosion control, reducing the need for extensive topsoil application. Products like ProGanics Biotic Soil Media also provide a cost-effective, sustainable solution, particularly for sites with challenging conditions or where traditional topsoil application is impractical.
What is ProGanics?
Created for sites stripped of organic matter, nutrients and biological activity from construction, mining, energy development, and other disturbing activities, ProGanics accelerates the development of depleted soils/substrates with low organic matter, low nutrient levels, and limited biological activity, crucial elements for sustainable vegetation establishment. We like to think of ProGanics as a condensed, nutritious topsoil solution, which can be hydraulically applied for material and installation cost saving opportunities. Learn More
Conclusion
While topsoil and compost-manufactured topsoil are vital for many civil sitework projects, their cost can present a significant hurdle to project execution and completion. Now is the time to seek out cost effective, high performance alternatives for the benefit of your next civil sitework project.
If you have questions about confidently improving your project’s timeline and budget, Ask your local Ferguson expert.
