How to make lawn top soil?

[Vich]

I have a large quantity of soil dug up from our yard that I'd like to make into  top soil for the lawn. We are in the Canberra region, so the dug up soil is mostly clay, with some mulch.

The 2 areas of lawn I want to treat is approximately 70sqm.

To make a decent top soil, what are the ratios of gypsum, lime, compost that I need to add to the soil?

Thanks.

[JacobZ]

Hi @Vich,

Thank you for your question about creating topsoil for your yard.

To begin with, you should mix 10 parts soil with 2-3 parts high-quality compost and 1 part gypsum. The compost will add nutrients and will encourage soil biodiversity and microbial growth in the soil. The gypsum will help to break up the clay and promote good drainage.

After mixing, use a Manutec Garden Care Products Soil PH Test Kit to determine whether the pH of the soil is in the correct pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. 

If the soil is too acidic, under 6.0, add lime to reduce the acidity. 

If the soil is too alkaline, above 7.5, add more compost to the mix. 

Once the mixture is in the correct pH range, then you are good to go.

Let me know what you think and if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob