Soil examination starts with the task: assessing fertility, contamination, the quality of delivered soil or the consequences of work requires different parameters and sampling plans. A universal test «for everything» does not replace a justified choice of examinations.
Subject of examination
- Soil, earth materials and the fertile soil layer
- Physical, chemical and agrochemical parameters
- Documents on the provenance and use of soil
Sample questions for the expert
- Which parameters are needed to investigate the reported problem?
- Are the collected samples representative of the site examined?
- Do the soil properties suit the agreed intended use?
- What can be established from the test report supplied and which data is missing?
The final questions are formulated according to the objects and circumstances of the particular task.
What to prepare
- The site's area, plan, intended use and history
- A description of the problem and photographs
- Documents on soil deliveries or work performed
- Sampling records and complete laboratory test reports
How the examination is conducted
Parameters are selected with regard to the soil's provenance and site conditions. Sampling locations and depths, sample transfer documents and the methods used are checked before interpretation.
Scope and limitations
A laboratory result relates to a particular sample and the conditions in which it was obtained. Without a sampling plan, it cannot automatically describe the entire site or identify the source of contamination.
What the deliverable records
The conclusions state the parameters examined, their significance for the task, sampling limitations and the need for additional work.