In Germany there are strict guidelines for disposing of excavated earth. This also includes topsoil, which is subject to special legal regulations. Disposal does not make sense in all cases because there are many interested parties.
How do you dispose of topsoil?
To dispose of topsoil properly, use either a rented container or a truck, depending on the amount of excavation. Alternatively, you can sell topsoil to interested parties such as hobby gardeners or farmers via online exchanges or local exchanges. Pay attention to legal regulations and avoid contamination.
Definition
Topsoil, also known as topsoil or topsoil, represents the uppermost soil horizon. It contains mineral substrates such as silt, clay and sand. In contrast to the deeper layers, the upper horizon is rich in nutrients. Numerous microorganisms live here that rely on aerobic conditions. There is often an additional humus layer that consists exclusively of organic components.
Features
This type of soil is a valuable raw material as long as it is pure and free of pollutants or impurities. It is not load-bearing and must therefore be removed before construction of buildings or roads. The subsequent storage plays a major role in the quality of the excavation, as undesirable putrefactive processes quickly arise due to the high proportion of biodegradable substances. These are promoted by inadequate ventilation.
Important functions of topsoil:
- stores water and provides plants with important nutrients
- filters pollutants from rainwater
- prevents water buildup and reduces flow speed
Legal regulations
The preservation of the top layer of soil is required by Section 202 of the Building Code so that the substrate can continue to be used. The asset worthy of protection must not be wasted or destroyed. When digging the earth, you must ensure that the topsoil is not contaminated or mixed with building rubble. If the soil is contaminated with pesticides and pollutants or contains contaminated sites, proper disposal is essential.
Containers and trucks
For smaller excavation quantities, we recommend renting a container that is delivered and picked up. You can fill it yourself or commission a specialist company to do the work. For large quantities, a truck is the better choice because it transports the excavated material directly to the landfill.
Tip
Which variant is suitable for you depends on the volume. Note that the excavated soil has approximately 20 to 30 percent more volume than the compacted soil.
Usage
You should think carefully about whether you want to send the topsoil to a landfill. This soil horizon is the basic requirement for creating vegetable beds and fertile gardens. You can buy topsoil in speci alty stores. However, it is not particularly fruitful. The removal caused the substrate to be mixed and the soil structure to be disturbed. The soil fauna has to recover first.
Online exchanges
If you have no use for the earth, look for buyers on the Internet. Many districts offer soil exchanges through which topsoil can be sold to interested parties. In this way, the valuable raw material is not lost. In addition to hobby gardeners, farmers from the region also have a great interest in high-quality topsoil.
