Topic // Soil and Soil Ammendments

Soil and Soil Ammendments

Soil is more than dirt, it is a complex ecosystem that includes organisms that decompose organic and inorganic materials, stores and filters water runoff, and provides habitat for numerous species.

soil

Introduction

Although not readily apparent, the soil plays an integral role in mitigating surface impacts of storm water runoff and the success of vegetation growth and overall landscaping of the site. Protecting the soil is of most concern during the design and construction phase.

Involve a qualified site-design professional on the design team early in the project.

Obtain and evaluate the chemical and physical characteristics of the site soils.

Amend the soil in planting areas according to professional advice.

Protect the soil during construction. Design for minimal grading. Stockpile and replace existing topsoil when grading is necessary. Avoid the movement of heavy equipment over site. Remediate compacted soil after construction with tillage, etc.

Carefully design for grading and excavation. Design building with site in mind. Utilize sites strengths (i.e. existing topography, drainage patterns) and direct storm water to planted areas to minimize irrigation requirements.

Follow all applicable erosion-control regulations. Avoid exposed soil and mitigate potential erosion where necessary and/or required by regulations.

Stabilize soil during and after construction. Utilize natural means where possible (i.e. straw bail dams, jute netting, hydroseeding).

Use bioengineering. Interwoven woody cuttings reduce the potential for full-scale washouts more common to rigid constructions.

Instruct operators to schedule soil-maintenance tasks. To be done in conjunction with other planting and site vegetation maintenance activities.

Details

Application

Certification

References

Books and Resources

Web Resources

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