The Weight of One Cubic Yard of Topsoil

Topsoil

• The depth of topsoil varies significantly and ranges from 2 to 6 inches or more. It is the topmost and nutrient-rich layer of soil where microorganisms and organic substances help plants to grow. Generally this layer contains sand, clay and silt in various combinations, as well as soil organisms and water. Companies that sell topsoil often obtain it from farmland prior to use and may enrich it with compost before selling it. Identify your own topsoil availability by locating the layer of darker color tones, compared with the lower subsoil. Topsoils should contain between 2 and 10 percent organic matter. Too much organic matter can lead to compaction while too little makes the soil difficult to till.

Weight of Topsoil

• Topsoil's weight depends greatly on the amount of moisture present. While 1 cubic yard of topsoil generally weighs between 2,000 and 2,500 pounds, it may be lighter in the summer. Under dry conditions and lack of rain, 1 cubic yard may weigh just 1,700 pounds. Sandy or loam soils tend to be loose and have less water-holding capacity, so they might be on the lighter side. Clayey soils tend to hold moisture and may be on the heavier side.

Moving Topsoil

• Moving topsoil can be labor-intensive unless proper equipment is available. Many heavy-duty pick-up trucks and those with a 1-ton capacity can safely haul about 1 cubic yard of topsoil. A standard dump trunk can carry larger amounts, up to about 10 tons. When purchasing topsoil, you will likely order the material in cubic yard units. Many topsoil companies adjust pricing based on whether you are hauling it away yourself or having it delivered. Some companies deliver topsoil and use motorized wheelbarrows to place it in the desired location, which makes the transport process much easier for the consumer.

Measuring Topsoil Needs

• Before purchasing topsoil, consider the needs of your garden or landscape. Topsoil may be present down to 8 inches, or it may be thin and reach just 2 inches down. For a productive vegetable garden, 2 inches of topsoil is not sufficient. To determine the necessary amount of topsoil for your garden or landscape, measure the area you would like to fill in yards, including length, width and depth. Multiply the numbers together to get the total cubic area.