UK Standard

BS 3882 — Topsoil Specification

BS 3882 — Specification for topsoil and requirements for use

In short: BS 3882 is the British Standard specifying requirements for topsoil quality, defining structural grades (like multipurpose soil) and testing standards (pH, nutrients, contaminants).

What BS 3882 covers

It governs topsoil grades imported to UK domestic sites, specifying thresholds for soil acidity (pH), organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and phytotoxic elements.

Multipurpose topsoil is the default grade for general lawn and landscaping work, requiring a pH range of 5.5 to 8.5 and a sandy loam or loam texture.

The standard dictates that topsoil depth must match the planting type (e.g. 100-150mm for turf/lawns, 300-450mm for borders/raised beds) to support healthy root development.

BS 3882 recommended topsoil depths
Application Recommended depth Soil texture class
Turf / New lawns 100–150mm Sandy loam / loam
Borders & raised beds 300–450mm Loam / clay loam
Shrubs & trees 450–600mm Variable

Apply this standard

Calculators that use BS 3882

Topsoil & Compost
Soil or compost volume for raised beds, borders and lawn preparation.
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Lawn Turf Calculator
Turf rolls for any lawn shape, with 5–10% cutting wastage included.
Open →

Official source: BSI Knowledge — BS 3882. Figures on this page are a plain-English summary for estimating purposes — always refer to the published standard for compliance.