Soil science examination is needed in land disputes, site contamination, plant death, poor-quality soil delivered to a site, disturbance of the fertile soil layer and land reclamation.
What to bear in mind
In soil science disputes, context matters as well as laboratory parameters: exactly where samples were taken, the site's history, which documents are available, the questions posed and how the result relates to the subject of the dispute.
Common errors
- taking one sample for a heterogeneous site;
- failing to link sampling locations to a plan;
- selecting parameters unrelated to the subject of the dispute;
- using a laboratory test report without expert interpretation;
- attempting to draw a categorical conclusion from incomplete data.
Before starting an examination, it is best to define its purpose: court proceedings, a claim, purchasing a land parcel, restoring soil, checking a contractor's work or assessing contamination.