I am not sure about the Lowe formula but generally potting mixes do not use top soil. Generally they are either pre mixed or a custom blend depending on the need of the stock being planted. The only time we would see a more of a mineral based potting soil would be in a germination mix where sand of some type is used for the extra drainage. Some people use almost pure sand in rooting mixes.
As far as fertilizers, low levels are either added into the mix but these would need to have a low salt content such as a low water soluble nitrogen sources or organic sources besides for chicken because of the salt. The fertilizers can also be added as a top dressing or side application in granular form.
There are a number of versions depending of the crops... There are not only one formula..
If top soil is cumming from forest or it is black or fertile you can use top soil...otherwise topsoil is less fertile and sometime not fertile at all...
There are some proved recipes of media preparation:
1. Fertile soil 1/2 + compost or 2 year old manure 1/2
2. Fertile soil 1/2 + Compost or manure 2 year old 1/4 + 1/4 Pit or 1/4 Sawdust
+ Add on 10 kg 10 kg substrate (prepared by above mentioned method) following fertilizers: 20 G ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) + 50 G Double super phosphate + 40 G Potassium chloride.
The soil and compost should be screened before of mixing.... Do not use more fertilizers in soil in the beginning especially the nitrogen, this might be harm for plants doe to of high EC content...
We use this media for grape and fruit seedlings....
The greenhouse soil mixes come pre mixed and we avoid the use of top soil to avoid Pythium and other soil borne infections. The EC of a good GH mix at the start should be about 0.65, Most come with a starter charge of fertilizer that is low enough to not harm the seedlings. We water in (constant) liquid fertilizer with low P, at a rate of 175ppm N at the true leaf stage.
3 part fetile soil+1 part organic material+1 part inorganic fertilizers
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