The following 3 alternatives are considered functionally equivalent in creating a growing medium for vegetation establishment.
Input your project size and the installed cost per square yard for each material type to calculate total costs and highlight savings.
Project Size (SY)
Remember to use total installed area in square yards.
1 Acre = 4,840 Square Yards = 43,560 Square Feet
When estimating total material volume and trucking needs for Topsoil or CMT cost input fields, 1 SY at 4" depth = 0.111 cubic yards of material.
Topsoil
Topsoil is a naturally formed surface soil rich in organic matter and minerals, used as the growing layer above subgrade. Enter your total installed cost per square yard (SY) at a 4" depth. For reference, 1 SY at 4" depth equals 0.111 cubic yards of material. Your cost should include material + delivery (trucking) + equipment for placement & grading + labor.
Unsure on costs?
Our research - combining manufacturer intel, installer feedback, and DOT bid data - recommends an installed cost of about $4.82 /SY for 4" of topsoil. Actual pricing varies +/- by region and project conditions. Contact a Ferguson Soil Health & Reclamation Expert for help fine-tuning your estimate.
Compost Manufactured Topsoil (CMT)
Compost Manufactured Topsoil (CMT) is an engineered blend of compost, sand, and mineral soil designed to replace or enhance native topsoil for better structure, drainage, and nutrient content. Enter your total installed cost per square yard (SY) at a 4" depth. For reference, 1 SY at 4" depth equals 0.111 cubic yards of material. Your cost should include material + delivery (trucking) + equipment for placement & grading + labor.
Unsure on costs?
Our research - combining manufacturer intel, installer feedback, and DOT bid data - recommends an installed cost of about $2.91 /SY for 4" of Compost Manufactured Topsoil. Actual pricing varies +/- by region and project conditions. Contact a Ferguson Soil Health & Reclamation Expert for help fine-tuning your estimate.
ProGanics Biotic Soil Media
ProGanics is a hydraulically applied Biotic Soil Media™ (BSM™) that rebuilds depleted soils and accelerates vegetation growth without hauling or spreading bulk topsoil. Enter your total installed cost per square yard (SY) at a 5,000 lb/acre application rate (≈ 1.03 lb/SY). Your cost should include material + freight + hydromulching equipment + labor.
This rate was selected to provide an equivalent growing medium to roughly 4" of Topsoil or Compost Manufactured Topsoil, allowing for a direct performance and cost comparison between the three methods.
Unsure on costs?
Our research - combining manufacturer intel, installer feedback, and DOT bid data - recommends an installed cost of about $2.00 /SY at a 5,000 lb/acre rate. Actual ProGanics application rate and pricing varies +/- by region and project conditions. Contact a Ferguson Soil Health & Reclamation Expert for help fine-tuning your estimate.
Need Help Using the Topsoil Calculator or Additional Support on Your Project?
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