Alborn Supply of Ocean County Helps identify the difference between Topsoil, mulch, and compost
A: Topsoil-mulch-compost … understanding the difference between this dynamic soil trio, as well has specific uses for each product, is essential for a successful landscaping project.
A well-dressed lawn or landscape will include layers of different materials that create an ideal environment for healthy growth. First is the topsoil, then the compost and, finally, a mulch to blanket it all.
Topsoil is the layer of humus (partially decomposed organic matter) between the surface and the subsoil. Once upon a time, topsoil was a deep, rich, organic layer. Today, in developed regions of the world, topsoil is very thin or nonexistent, scraped or eroded away over time. What passes as topsoil may actually be inert subsoil.
If topsoil is poor, make your own. Add 2-3 inches of a quality compost product and incorporate to a depth of 6-8 inches. The goal is to reach a level of about 5 percent organic matter in the soil. It is possible to build to this level over time with lighter, but more frequent, compost applications raked into the top layer of soil. But these two products — compost and topsoil — are not interchangeable.
Compost is not topsoil. It can be used to make topsoil or improve topsoil, but is the wrong product for many applications that call for topsoil. Don’t use compost as fill dirt, for example.
Conversely, topsoil is not compost and will not perform like compost. Adding topsoil alone does not ensure soil performance, especially if the “topsoil” is mostly inert and contains little to no organic matter or active soil microbes.
Mulch is a material applied to the soil surface to discourage weeds, provide shade and reduce moisture loss through evaporation. Bark, wood chips, shredded yard waste and sawdust are all used as mulch, but unless manufactured by a state-permitted composting facility, the resulting product is not compost. In fact, fresh wood mulches can compete with plants for nutrients, and uncomposted organic materials can contain weed seeds, untreated pet waste, and lawn chemicals.
A properly managed composting process breaks down many pollutants and kills weed seeds and pathogens. Compost makes an excellent mulch for holding moisture and shading roots from the summer sun. Any unwanted airborne “volunteers” that take up residence in a planting bed where compost is used as a mulch can be easily removed during routine maintenance. Mulching with compost also allows earthworms to till the compost into the soil, rebuilding topsoil with no additional work on the part of the landscaper or gardener.
Compost is the product resulting from the aerobic (with air) biodegradation of plant and animal (organic) matter. It is a soil amendment. Using compost completes the natural soil cycle, returning organic material to the soil to grow a new generation of ornamental, food and fiber crops.
Look for compost that is dark in color, has an “earthy” aroma, and offers an even texture. If the “compost” is lumpy or contains a lot of twigs and sticks, it’s mulch masquerading as compost or is compost manufactured to a low standard. Immature, woody composts can actually compete with plants or contain pockets of material that are not fully composted. Either way, pass it by in favor of a higher quality product.
View Original Article
Contact Us!
FAQs
Compost is usually used more as potting soil, a top-layer fertilizer to your plants, or to amend your current soil. Whereas topsoil is better for building up your soil level or as a landscape filler. In fact, many times when you order topsoil in bulk, what you get is dirt with some organic matter blended in.
What is better, mulch or topsoil? ›
Adding topsoil alone does not ensure soil performance, especially if the “topsoil” is mostly inert and contains little to no organic matter or active soil microbes. Mulch is a material applied to the soil surface to discourage weeds, provide shade and reduce moisture loss through evaporation.
Should I top dress my lawn with compost or topsoil? ›
How to Add Top Dressing to My Lawn. In the spring, apply 0.25–0.5 inches of top dressing after mowing your lawn low with compost, sand or topsoil. The best choice depends on your current soil and issues. Compost is a great all around option for both helping with drainage and providing organic material.
Can I mix compost and topsoil together? ›
You can mix compost with topsoil to create your own potting compost, as many of the nurseries do, which gives you the advantages of soil – namely that it dries out more slowly and holds its structure better – together with the benefits of compost – organic matter and more nutrients, a compost made with loam or soil is ...
What are the disadvantages of topsoil? ›
Pros and Cons of Topsoil
It can also provide a good base for new plants to grow in. However, topsoil may not contain enough nutrients for plants to thrive, and it may not provide adequate drainage. Additionally, topsoil can be heavy and difficult to work with, making it less ideal for container gardening.
Do raised beds need compost or topsoil? ›
A general potting mixture of three parts organic matter (such as garden compost, leafmould or well-rotted manure), two parts sharp sand and seven parts topsoil is sufficient for most raised beds. For alpines, bulbs and herbs, that like good drainage, double the proportion of sand.
Which is better mulch or compost? ›
Compost and mulch can both be used to achieve a thriving garden with healthier soil and plants. Mulch is great at limiting weed growth and helping soil retain moisture. It can also give your garden a more visually appealing look. That said, compost is superior at adding nutrients to soil and balancing soil density.
What are the disadvantages of top dressing? ›
The disadvantages of top dressing include the struggle of applying nitrogen at the correct time and potential for increased nitrogen losses. Although top dressing is a quick job to complete, it often needs to be completed when growers are busy finishing seeding or starting in-crop herbicide.
Can I use compost to level my yard? ›
Topdressing to Level a Lawn
Use a blend of sand and compost to topdress your yard to create a smooth, even lawn surface, without bumps or depressions. This is called leveling and it's particularly necessary on new lawns and sports fields.
Can you just put compost on top of grass? ›
You can topdress with compost at any time when the ground is not frozen, but if you topdress right after aerating a lawn, you will see even better results. Another great time to topdress with compost is when overseeding a lawn. Applying compost and seeds at the same time will improve germination and moisture retention.
There are various ways to use your finished compost. You can sprinkle compost on top or mix it into your flower and vegetable beds, gently rake compost into tree beds, blend it with potting soil to revitalize indoor plants, or spread it on top of the soil on your lawn as a soil amendment.
Can I use compost as mulch? ›
Yard waste compost makes an ideal mulch for annual and perennial gardens. All that needs to be done is to apply a three to six inch layer of compost around the base of the plant. Periodically throughout the summer, you may need to add more compost over the old layers to maintain the benefits of the mulch.
Which is better topsoil or compost? ›
Instead, compost is created through the decomposition of organic matter, while topsoil is formed over time through the accumulation of organic matter and minerals. Compost is also much richer in nutrients than topsoil, making it an ideal supplement for soil that is lacking in nutrients.
How long does it take compost to turn into topsoil? ›
Decomposition will be complete anywhere from two weeks to two years depending on the materials used, the size of the pile, and how often it is turned. Compost is ready when it has cooled, turned a rich brown color, and has decomposed into small soil-like particles. Step 5. Use the compost.
Can you add too much compost to soil? ›
Stop adding compost to prevent the continual addition of cations (positively charged nutrients) to your soil. Soils with excessive compost tend to have elevated phosphorus concentrations as well.
Is compost or soil better for planting? ›
Soil holds fewer nutrients than most composts, especially potting composts. Hence, for propagation, it's worth buying commercial products designed for that use. You can use multi-purpose compost, also called all-purpose, for every stage of propagation, including seed sowing.
Do I just put compost on top of soil? ›
There are various ways to use your finished compost. You can sprinkle compost on top or mix it into your flower and vegetable beds, gently rake compost into tree beds, blend it with potting soil to revitalize indoor plants, or spread it on top of the soil on your lawn as a soil amendment.
Does compost hold water better than soil? ›
Compost is an excellent way to increase the water holding power of root systems, which is vital to growth. Different soils gain more or less benefit in absorbency from compost. A clay or sand soil, with little natural organic material, benefits immensely; but a silty soil also can be improved.
