What Is the Difference between Mulch, Compost, and Topsoil – Understanding the Basics
So, what is the difference between mulch, compost, and topsoil? All these years, most people believe that they are all the same – only having different terms. In reality, though, these three terms are different in concept and usage. So, if you want to get the best out of your gardening activities, you need to know the basic difference. In this way, you can get the best benefits without exerting the extra sweat.
About the Topsoil
People are often confused about the difference between compost and topsoil. In relation to the topic of what is the difference between mulch, compost, and topsoil, we need to narrow it down to compost and topsoil first, because people believe that they are the same.
The main confusion happens because topsoil and compost consist of decomposed organic stuff, which means that they are both rich in helpful organisms and nutrients. However, the topsoil is the basic foundation for growing plants. It’s the outermost soil layer that is typically located on the top (or the upper area).
This layer is several inches in thickness. It’s the layer where you can find the organic matter, microorganisms, and other nutrients with the highest level. This is also the layer where the biological (soil) actions take place on Earth. This layer is important because plants would concentrate their contents and roots so they can get the most nutrients.
So, what’s the function of the topsoil? As it was stated before, the topsoil is crucial because that’s where the nutrients are ‘kept’. The plant needs the nutrients to grow. A long time ago, the topsoil was quite deep and thick. But today’s topsoil is different because of soil depletion due to unsustainable practice, over farming, and also land clearing. It’s too bad that we have very little topsoil. In some cases, we don’t have any at all.
When you want to grow plants, you need a good soil and this is when the topsoil is badly needed. You can buy the already prepared topsoil so you can add it to the planting site. You can mix it up and then start planting. But if you want something natural and you do have the time to prepare the topsoil, you can make it. Gather leaves, discarded fruits, grass clippings, and other organic matter and place it in a spot where it can get water and air naturally, resulting in the breaking down of materials.
About the Compost
From the description above, it seems like you are making yourself a compost. It’s not completely wrong. Keep in mind that topsoil and compost are made from organic and natural materials. But then again, the application would be different. As stated before, topsoil is the upper layer where you grow your plants.
Compost, on the other hand, is used as the extra addition. It’s commonly used as the potting soil or as the extra addition to the current soil condition. When you want to feed off your plants and expect it to grow better, you add compost to the soil. But when you want to start planting, you need good quality topsoil. See the difference now? If someone asks you about what is the difference between mulch, compost, and topsoil, you get the idea now.
About Mulch
Mulch is basically the protector. After you prepare the soil well (with the topsoil) and add extra nutrients to it (with the compost), now you want to cover everything so it remains intact. You want to keep the planting site moist, cool, and protected with a cover. Plus, the cover will prevent the weeds from infiltrating the site.
After all, mulch can also add some visual appeal to the landscape – aside from keeping the soil intact and prolonging the plants’ life. Mulch will usually break down over time. In the end, mulch can protect the site. It will prevent overheating (from the sun) as well as avoiding erosion (because of the rain).
Conclusion
As you can see, these three items are different in application. They may share similar features and qualities, but they are not the same. Topsoil is the basic and building foundation for the plants, while the compost provides the extra food and nutrients. Mulch is the protector, able to cover the planting site from erosion and overheat. Now that you understand what is the difference between mulch, compost, and topsoil, you can prepare your plans concerning the gardening activities.