HVO Organic Soil & Fertilizer Mixes
All blends delivered fresh to your Big Island property · Prices per cubic yard
- Nutrient-rich volcanic top soil for healthier plant growth
- Improves moisture retention while maintaining balanced drainage
- Supports strong root development for vegetables, trees, and flowers
- Ideal for gardens, lawns, raised beds, and landscaping projects
- Screened and blended for a smooth, easy-to-work texture
(Limited supply available )
- Blend for optimal drainage and aeration
- pH-neutral black cinder won't stress plants
- Porous cinder creates habitat for beneficial microbes
- Prevents soil compaction and root suffocation
- 29.3% organic matter, University of Hawaii tested
- Biochar (35%) improves water & nutrient retention
- Sun-dried cow manure feeds slow-release nitrogen
- Coffee grounds add nitrogen & deter slugs
- Silicon minerals strengthen plant cell walls
- Dolomite balances pH and supplies calcium & magnesium
- Structured drainage from black cinder + nutrient boost from fertilizer
- Biochar locks in nutrients so they don't wash away
- Volcanic trace minerals released slowly over time
- Balanced N-P-K for vegetables, fruits & ornamentals
- 100% organic, no synthetic inputs
- High-quality compost adds rich humus and balanced N-P-K
- Bokashi inoculants inject billions of active microbes
- Suppresses harmful pathogens naturally
- Unlocks locked-up nutrients and makes them bioavailable to roots
- White mycelium can appear within 24 hours — sign of thriving soil
- Complete blend with structure, nutrients, and microbiology in one
- Organic fertilizer adds biochar, silicon minerals & dolomite
- Compost + bokashi creates a self-sustaining soil ecosystem
- Ideal for serious gardeners, orchards & raised beds
- Long-term soil fertility — feeds plants for seasons to come
- Horse manure provides rich macro-nutrients (N-P-K)
- Hardwood sawdust (NOT mulch) adds carbon structure & porosity
- Green waste contributes fresh nitrogen & accelerates decomposition
- Bokashi compost starter saturates mix with active microbes throughout
- Turned, aged & tested for balanced N-P-K before delivery
- Everything in the base compost blend, plus organic fertilizer
- Biochar added for long-term carbon sequestration & nutrient locking
- Silicon minerals strengthen plants against pests & drought
- Dolomite prevents soil acidification over time
- The most nutrient-dense, microbe-rich compost we offer
From Historic Cattle Ranch to Living Soil Farm
For over six decades, the land that became Hawaiian Volcanic Organic Farm in Glenwood served as a working cattle ranch. Year after year, cattle grazed these volcanic slopes, and their manure naturally blended with fallen jungle leaves, ferns, and forest litter to build deep, nutrient-rich soil.
Today, this historic ranch land produces topsoil that University of Hawaii analysis confirms is among the best on the Big Island—with 29.3% organic matter, abundant indigenous microorganisms, and essential nutrients far exceeding typical "fill dirt" from depleted sugarcane lands.
Our topsoil isn't sterile mineral soil from gravel pits. It's a living ecosystem, rich with beneficial microbes that evolved in Hawaii's exact climate and volcanic substrate. When you bring this soil home, you're importing 64 years of naturally built fertility and a thriving microbial community that jump-starts root growth and helps plants thrive.
This is the foundation of truly organic, sustainable growing on the Big Island.
Hawaiian Volcanic Organic Farm Top Soil compared to DIRT that others sell
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Composition of the Soil
- Depleted Nutrients: The long history of sugarcane cultivation and the absence of crop rotation or soil amendments left much of the soil depleted of organic matter and essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Compacted Structure: Over time, heavy machinery used during farming compacted the soil, reducing its ability to support robust plant growth.
- Low Microbial Activity: The lack of organic inputs and the use of synthetic fertilizers and herbicides led to a decline in beneficial microbial populations.
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What’s Left in the Soil?
- High Mineral Content: The soil may still contain basalt-derived minerals, as it originates from volcanic activity, but these minerals are not readily bioavailable to plants without microbial processing.
- Residual Pesticides: Old agricultural soils may also contain residues of chemicals used during sugarcane farming, although this depends on specific practices and the time since the land was last cultivated.
- Sand and Silt: The soil often contains higher proportions of sand and silt, contributing to poor structure and drainage.
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Source: Old Sugarcane Plantations
- Much of the soil used for fill or other construction purposes comes from land that was formerly cultivated for sugarcane, an industry that dominated the Big Island for over a century.
- These lands were intensively farmed and often subjected to monocropping practices, which can severely deplete soil nutrients over time.
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Uses for This Soil
- It is often classified as "fill dirt" and used in construction projects where fertility is not a concern.
- Gardeners and landscapers typically avoid using this soil without significant amendments, as it requires restoration to support healthy plant growth.
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If you're considering using soil from local gravel pits for agricultural or gardening purposes, it’s advisable to test its pH, nutrient content, and microbial activity. Supplementing it with organic and mineral amendments can help bring life back to the soil and make it suitable for growing plants.
Use High-Quality Top Soil instead
The top soil from Hawaiian Volcanic Organic Farm is Ready to Grow!
Comparison of Dirt from the local gravel pits to HVO Top Quality Organic Top Soil
Dirt compared to Top Soil. You get what you pay for!
- Local gravel pits in Hilo source soil from former sugarcane plantations.
- This soil is typically low in nutrients and organic matter, with diminished microbial activity.
- It may also contain residual agricultural chemicals.
In contrast, Hawaiian Volcanic Organic Farm offers topsoil with the following characteristics:
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Rich Organic Matter:
- Contains 29.3% organic matter,
- enhancing fertility.
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Beneficial Microorganisms:
- Abundant Indigenous Microorganisms (IMOs) support plant health
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Balanced pH:
- Slightly acidic pH of 5.47, suitable for many plants.
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Nutrient-Rich:
- High levels of essential nutrients like calcium (117.4 mg/kg)
- magnesium (55.4 mg/kg), and nitrogen compounds (38.14 mg/kg of nitrate, nitrite, and ammonium)
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Clean Composition:
- Free from contaminants such as arsenic.
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- This topsoil is sourced from land with a history of cattle grazing, naturally enriching it with composted manure and jungle foliage, resulting in a vibrant, nutrient-rich medium ideal for gardening and landscaping.
- Rich with indigenous microbial inoculants to jump start your garden, lawn, grow beds, and more!
| Feature | 🌋 Our Volcanic Topsoil | Hilo Pit Dirt | Imported Topsoil |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living Microbes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ⚠️ Maybe |
| Volcanic Minerals | ✅ Rich | ✅ Some | ❌ No |
| Organic Matter | ✅ High | ❌ Low | ⚠️ Variable |
| Local Sourcing | ✅ Big Island | ✅ Big Island | ❌ Mainland |
| pH Balanced | ✅ 6.0 – 7.0 | ⚠️ Variable | ⚠️ Unknown |
| Water Retention | ✅ Excellent | ⚠️ Poor | ⚠️ Variable |
| Price | Mid-range | Low | High |
| Best For | Gardens, Orchards | Fill, Grading | Unknown Sources |
University Of Hawaii Soil Analysis
Organic Top Soil From Our 25-Acre Organic Farm
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Rich Heritage
Our soil has a storied past, cultivated on fertile agricultural land that served as a cattle grazing pasture for 64 years. This history has naturally enriched our soil with composted cow manure and jungle foliage.
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Depth Of Quality
Soil analysis confirms the consistent richness of our soil, abundant in Indigenous Micro Organisms (IMOs). Superior to the "dead dirt" from depleted sugar farm lands that is sold by the local gravel companies, our soil remains vibrant and nutrient-rich.
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University Of Hawaii Soil Analysis
Proudly analyzed that shows it as the Best Top Soil on The Big Island. Our comprehensive soil analysis results are available for review on our website.
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Custom Soil Mixes
Tailor your soil to specific needs with our custom mixes, incorporating 1.5” black cinder for optimal drainage, moisture retention, aeration, and habitat for micro-organisms, perfect for various agricultural and landscaping projects. We also have a Custom Mix of Top Soil, high quality Compost, and Black Cinder.
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Optimal Growth
Boost your growing success with our Hawaiian Volcanic Organic Fertilizer, ideal for vegetables, fruits, trees, herbs, and ornamental plants.
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Cost-Effective Solution
Order NowAvailable at just $88 for 27 cubic feet (about 1,600 pounds). Whether you pick up in person or choose our delivery service, we make access to top-quality soil easy and affordable.
