What is topsoil?
Thesaurus of Sustainability
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Topsoil is the upper 5-20 cm (2-8 inches) of soil containing most of the ground’s nutrients and is responsible for its fertility and sustaining plant life. The thickness of topsoil has been directly correlated with the crop productivity. For example, a loss of 15 cm (6 inches) of topsoil can lead to a reduction of crop productivity by 35%, while seriously eroded soils are not suitable for cultivation.
Due to the higher content of organic matter, the topsoil has a darker color compared to other soil layers and usually a loam texture. The topsoil is more sensitive to environmental conditions and changes.
