Which statement about the top soil layer is true?

• A. Is found below the water table
• B. Has the most organic matter
• C. Should be removed to seed a lawn
• D. Contains the most inorganic matter

Answer: (B)

Topsoil is the upper mineral layer that already contains a substantial amount of organic matter, giving it a dark, fertile appearance. This organic matter comes from decomposed plant and animal material and is key to soil health because it improves soil structure, increases water-holding capacity, and supplies nutrients for roots. That combination is why this statement is true: topsoil typically holds the most organic matter among the soil horizons, supporting robust root growth and plant health. It isn’t located below the water table in well-drained soils, where groundwater sits lower in the profile. Deeper horizons tend to have more inorganic minerals and less organic material, so topsoil isn’t the layer with the most inorganic matter. And for seeding a lawn, you generally want to preserve and work with the topsoil rather than remove it, since it provides the nutrients and structure that help seeds germinate and establish.