Topsoil

Topsoil is actually defined right within the word. It is the top of the soil- the outermost layer of soil that exists. Topsoil can range from 2 inches to 8 inches deep and is usually where mostly all plants are planted. This is because the plants get their nutrients from this layer and it is also where the roots take up water. The layer following topsoil is subsoil.  Most of the earth's biological soil activity takes place in the topsoil, especially since it has an extremely high concentration of organic matter, humus and microorganisms.

 In the picture above, we see the topsoil and some vegetables planted on it. The roots of the plant were able to take up the nutrients from the soil and water to grow to the way it is now.


Works Cited:
Campbell, Neil, Jane Reece, and Lawrence Mitchell. “Plant Nutrition.” Biology. Fifth ed. Menlo Park: Jim Green Publishing, 1999. 717. Print.