Deciding on a way to make topsoil better can depend on the existing quality of the topsoil, however, there are several ways to do this.

One of the most useful things for the gardener to learn is to understand the workings of what is known as topsoil balance. The chemistry and physics of topsoil can be learnt from topsoil balance. This also means that topsoil chemistry and physics as well as biology are learnt about further ensuring that nutrients and structure are perfectly balanced.

Using a system called Mikhail topsoil balance can be maintained easily. Using this system of topsoil management gives the soil friability and helps living organisms and to survive giving better soil composition and structure. Rather like the human body, it requires a good skeleton on which all the other physical attributes can be held together. Potassium, Hydrogen, Magnesium, Sodium and Calcium are all essential elements in good healthy Topsoil.

The balance between biology and nutrients are maintained through use of the Mikhail system as well. Balancing the structure is then important. Plant life needs the following vital elements for nutrition; Potassium, Sulphur, Nitrogen and Phosphorous. To help boost these elements, fertilisers could be added to topsoil once the condition of the soil’s structure has been improved. The most common fertiliser is known as NPK, and most general fertilisers actually consist of these chemical elements. Trace elements are also important to topsoil.

One way to find out where topsoil is failing in terms of make-up is by testing it. Soil testing kits can be used to get the necessary information required to improve the topsoil. Once tested, the soil can then be improved by making the necessary changes to by adding fertiliser, lime and any other improvers that are required.