Fertile soil layer: thickness and approximate depth, benefits

The main value of the fertile soil layer is the possibility of growth and development of plant species, including agricultural ones. Consider what it is, how and where it is used, how deep it lies, what advantages it has for economic use. What are the criteria for choosing the soil when buying for use in the household.

The fertile soil layer is

Soil is formed as a result of the influence of soil formation factors, consists of horizons that form the soil profile. The top layer of soil of any type is more fertile than others, decomposed remains of plant and animal material accumulate there.

It is darker than the underlying layers, as it is more or less saturated with humus, which gives the earth a dark color. This layer nourishes the plants growing on it, it is called humus or fertile.

Where does it apply?

The fertile soil layer is used in agriculture. All types of agricultural plants are grown on plowed fields. The crops grown depend on the type of soil and climate.

The fertile layer is also used in greenhouses, vegetables, flowers, heat-loving plants grow in it. If the soil is poor, with poor characteristics, it can be quickly improved by pouring a layer of fertile soil on top and maintaining it with proper agricultural practices.

Approximate depth

The thickness of the fertile soil layer is different. The type of processing and fertility depend on this indicator.On average, the depth is 30 cm, if the depth is less, the soil is considered ecologically shallow, contains a small supply of nutrients and water. The earth must not be deeply dug up or loosened, otherwise you can mix the top layer with the underlying rock and thereby greatly reduce fertility.

Medium-hard, 60 cm thick soil suitable for growing annual crops, cereals, vegetables and shrubs. Trees that are demanding on the depth of the soil will not be able to give a big harvest, they will lack nutrition and moisture. The land is suitable for growing fruit trees and grapes, the fertile layer of which extends below the level of 60 cm.

Undeniable benefits

Soil is a non-renewable natural resource whose importance cannot be overestimated. It supports all forms of life on Earth, serves as a source of nutrition and moisture for plants that feed animals and humans.A great variety of microorganisms, insects, small animals lives in it.

It can be said that food and feed are created in the soil. Minerals, water, oxygen, organic substances are concentrated in it, so the soil provides the primary cycle of substances necessary for the life of plants and animal organisms. ¼ of the biological diversity of the Earth is found in the soil. These are bacteria, fungi and protozoa, thousands of species of insects, worms and mites.

The level of soil fertility after intensive exploitation or pollution is very slowly restored. It takes thousands of years for a he althy soil layer 1 cm thick to form, but it can collapse in as little as 1 year.

Rules of choice when buying

The soil that you can buy is often an artificial mixture of soddy soil or black earth, peat and sand, taken in the optimal ratio.It has a good mechanical composition, lumpy, light and friable, at the same time retains trace elements and water, that is, it has properties that are most suitable for most plants. The mixture is enriched with fertilizers, its acidity is usually neutral. A properly prepared mixture should be free of pathogens and pests.

Wrong is the opinion that the darker and "fatter" the earth, the more fertile and useful it is. This is not always true. Excessive fat content increases lumpiness, worsens the permeability of the soil. A light color is also not the best indicator, it indicates a small amount of organic nutrients.

Good purchased soil suitable for growing vegetables, shrubs, ornamental trees, flowers. The mixture can be used whole, falling asleep in pots or beds, or mixed with the original soil in a ratio of 1 to 1.

The top layer of the earth, the characteristics and thickness reflect its fertility. It depends on how valuable the soil is for economic use. Powerful, naturally fertile soils allow you to get excellent yields on them with standard agricultural practices.

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