ABSTRACT
Topsoil is the uppermost layer of soil, which is high in nutrients and organic matter. Topsoil is a component of most landscaping and planting projects. British Standard BS 3882:2015 Specification for topsoil, provides information on natural and manufactured topsoils that are brought to a site project, not topsoils that remain in situ. It specifies requirements both for multipurpose topsoil, fit for most needs, and specialist topsoils that have low fertility or are acidic or calcareous, which would be used, for example, to support ericaceous plant species or create a wildflower meadow. The British Standard sets out requirements for topsoil classification and composition, specifying characteristics such as texture, acidity, and contaminants.
