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 chemistry and physics of topsoil can be learnt from topsoil balance. 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.

The Mikhail system is well-known for topsoil balance maintenance. Using this system of topsoil management gives the soil friability and helps living organisms and to survive giving better soil composition and structure. Topsoil needs a skeleton to enable the other elements of its make-up to exist and be sustained, rather like the human body. 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. These then also need to be in balance with the structure 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. Most general garden fertilisers are based on NPK, which provides these essential chemical elements. Trace elements are also important to topsoil.

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. 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.