Download Soil content and structure • Soil analysis and

A complete guide
Use this guide to help you choose the most suitable soil
for your application
• Soil content and structure
• Soil analysis and profile
• Soil quality
• Sourcing the right soil
Introduction
Soil Content and structure
Nutrients
Soil is formed by the breaking down or weathering of
The following nutrients are classified as
rock. The action of wind, rain, plant roots, moss and
macronutrients because of the relatively large
lichens over millions of years causes physical
amounts required by plants:
cracking. This cracked rock, combined with
vegetable
matter,
water,
encourages
Soil isdecomposed
formed by the animal
breakingand
down
or weathering
of rock.
The air
action ofNitrogen
wind, rain,(N)
plant
roots, moss leafy
and growth. Nitrogen
and
micro-organisms,
makes
up
soil.
may
be
lost
from
the
soil
by
plant removal,
lichens over millions of years causes physical cracking. This cracked rock, combined with decomposed animal
1
2
,
leaching
or
erosion.
If a soil is
volatilization
and vegetable matter, water, air and micro-organisms, makes up soil.
deficient in Nitrogen then new leaves will appear to
The minerals that are present in the original rock, or
bematerials,
small/weak
and
in otherthat
contributing
affect
the
soil
The minerals
are presentmaterials,
in the original
rock,
or types
in otherofcontributing
affect
theolder
types leaves will be yellow.
that
are
indigenous
to
the
UK.
of soil that are indigenous to the UK.
Soil Content and structure
1
Volatilization is the process where a dissolved nutrient is
vaporised.
2
Leaching is the loss of water-soluble plant nutrients from the soil
due to rain and irrigation.
Soil Breakdown
Phosphorous (P) is an essential element primarily
promoting root growth and development. It
stimulates growth of young plants, giving them a
good and vigorous start. Phosphorous deficiency will
lead to stunted root systems and some plants may
appear to have either purple or dull green leaves.
Mineral
particles
Mineral
particles
For soil analysis purposes the mineral element is
For soil
analysis
purposes
the mineral
element is
separated
by particle
size,
and expressed
as:
separated by particle size, and expressed as:
• Sand - 0.06mm to 2mm
- 0.06mm
to 2mm (Large)
• Sand
Silt - 0.002mm
to 0.06mm
• Clay - everything smaller than 0.002mm
Silt - 0.002mm to 0.06mm (Small)
Potassium or Potash (K) enhances disease
resistance and guards against water loss in plants by
strengthening stalks and stems, whilst enhancing fruit/
Nutrients
flower size, flavour/smell, texture and development.
Deficiency
will limit
growth
and increase
The following
nutrients
arecrop
classified
as macronutrients
because
of the relatively
large amounts
required bylevels
plants:can
susceptibility
to disease
whilst excessive
limit plant uptake of other nutrients like magnesium
Nitrogen
encourages leafy growth. Nitrogen may be lost
and(N)
calcium.
from the soil by plant removal, volatilization1, leaching2 or
erosion.
If a soil is deficient
Nitrogen
then
new
Magnesium
(Mg) isinthe
central
core
ofleaves
the will
appear
to
be
small/weak
and
older
leaves
will
be
yellow.
chlorophyll molecule in plant tissue. Chlorophyll is
the green
in plants
which
allows
them to
Volatilization
is thepigment
process where
a dissolved
nutrient
is vaporised.
obtain
energy
from
light
(photosynthesise).
Leaching is the loss of water-soluble plant nutrients from the soil due to
rain and irrigation.
Deficiency
results in poor and stunted plant growth
1
2
Loam is the name given to the soils which contain a
Clay
- everything
smaller than 0.002mm (Very Small)
with leaves appearing to lack colour. As deficiency
mixture
of sand,
silt and clay.
Phosphorous
(P) more
is an essential
promoting
becomes
severe element
the areaprimarily
between
the veins of
root
growth
and
development.
It
stimulates
growth
of stay
young
Loam is the name given to the soils which contain a
the leaves becomes yellow while the veins
plants,
giving
them
a
good
and
vigorous
start.
Phosphorous
mixture of sand, silt and clay.
green.
deficiency will lead to stunted root systems and some plants
The level of organic matter (humus) will affect the
may appear to have either purple or dull green leaves.
availability of nutrients in a soil. Regular addition of
composts
and manures
will improve the physical
Organic
matter
Potassium or Potash (K) enhances disease resistance and
conditions and biological activity in your soil and
guards against water loss in plants by strengthening stalks
increase available nutrient levels.
The level of organic matter (humus) will affect the and stems, whilst enhancing fruit/flower size, flavour/smell,
availability of nutrients in a soil. The regular addition texture and development. Deficiency will limit crop growth
Organic matter influences:
of manures so that the physical conditions and
and increase susceptibility to disease whilst excessive levels
• The amount of nitrogen released (mineralised)
biological activity is improved will increase the plant- can limit plant uptake of other nutrients like magnesium
for crop uptake.
available nutrients.
and calcium.
• The likelihood of trace element deficiencies.
Magnesium (Mg) is the central core of the chlorophyll
Organic matter influences:
• The need for lime.
• The amount of nitrogen released (mineralised) formolecule in plant tissue. Chlorophyll is the green pigment in
plants which allows them to obtain energy from light
• Soilcrop
structural
stability drainage and aeration.
uptake.
(photosynthesise). Deficiency results in poor and stunted
• The likelihood of trace element deficiencies.
plant growth with leaves appearing to lack colour.
• The need for lime.
As deficiency becomes more severe the area between the
• Soil structural stability drainage and aeration.
veins of the leaves becomes yellow while the veins stay green.
Organic matter
Specialists in the manufacture and distribution of top quality soils
www.bourneamenity.co.uk
2
pH is a term used to describe whether a soil is acidic, neutral or alkaline. A soils acidity or alkalinity is dependent on
the amount of lime (calcium) in the soil. The measured acidity of soil is called its “pH”, (potential of the hydrogen ion).
The pH scale ranges from 1.0 to 14.0. A pH of 7.0 is neutral: from 1.0 to 7.0 is acidic, from 7.0 to 14.0 is alkaline.
Soil fertility is directly influenced by pH through the solubility of many nutrients. At a pH lower than 5.5, many
nutrients become very soluble and are readily leached from the soil profile. At high pH, nutrients become insoluble
and plants cannot readily extract them. Maximum soil fertility occurs in the range 6.0 to 7.2.
Stone content
Compaction
Stone content can have a large effect upon nutrient
supply. Very stony soils have little fine earth yet it is
the nutrients in this fine earth fraction that are
measured. It is advisable to maintain very stony soils
at slightly higher levels of available P and K than are
required on deep stone-free soils.
Compaction compresses the soil and restricts drainage,
aeration and rooting depth. Over-cultivation and heavy
trafficking, such as multiple passes of machinery on
wet soils, will increase the risk of soil over-compaction,
plough or wheeling pans. Such pans can extend into the
subsoil, particularly if vehicles are heavy and sink during
wet conditions. Poaching and shallow pan formation from
livestock is a common problem on grassland soils.
What to do with compacted soil
• Identify depth of compaction.
• If the plough pan restricts water movement or root
growth then consider altering cultivation or
ploughing depth to get below this layer and break
up the compacted soil.
• Loosen layers before the winter and mix in crop
residues so that weathering and biological activity
can loosen and split the clods produced by tillage.
A high content of hard, impermeable stones in the
soil may cause:
• A more rapid leaching of soluble nutrients.
• A higher risk of drought.
• Subsoiling, moling or grassland aerators may help
to remediate soil compaction. These operations
should be carried out in dry conditions at working
depth to avoid further soil damage.
• Avoid over trafficking and restrict access when soil
is saturated.
Specialists in the manufacture and distribution of top quality soils
pH
Soil analysis and profile
A full textural and chemical analysis is expensive and
longwinded.
There are certain rules of thumb that you
can adopt when considering the need to have this done:
• Always ask for a sample and carry out a texture
assessment yourself. All soils contain a mixture of
clay, silt and sand. If the soil is smooth and balls
up when squeezed, it is predominantly clay, if it is
silky it is predominantly silt and if it is gritty it is
predominantly sand.
• A heavy clay loam will tend to become waterlogged
in the winter and retain moisture in the summer, whereas a sandy loam will drain well in the winter and dry out in the summer.
• If you do not know where the soil comes from you
are entitled to ask for a full chemical analysis.
There are too many contaminated soils around
looking for a home!
• You can carry out a simple pH test using a kit that
we can supply.
Soil quality
BS3882:2007 provides guidance on sourcing, handling,
storing, sampling and testing topsoil and the requirements
for declaring compliance with the standard as well as
providing recommendations for the preparation of a receptor
site and topsoil spreading.
BS3882:2007 specification for topsoil and
requirements for use
The third edition of the Specification for Topsoil was released
in November 2007 and specifies the performance requirements for Multipurpose Topsoil and Specific Purpose Topsoil.
The topsoil quality grades are described in BS3882:2007 as
below:
Multipurpose topsoil
Multipurpose topsoil is described as that including natural
topsoil or manufactured topsoil, which if handled and
managed appropriately and placed over permeable subsoil
is capable of supporting grass, trees, shrubs and herbaceous
plants. This grade should be suitable for most planting
situations, although some characteristics of natural topsoil
may not be conducive to the handling associated with the
trading of topsoil.
Specific purpose topsoil
Dig a soil profile pit
If you are not familiar with a location it is worth digging a soil
pit to identify soil type and potential drainage problems. This
will help you to determine what kind of topsoil you require.
Specific purpose topsoil includes natural or manufactured
topsoil with characteristics appropriate for specialist planting
situations. Specific purpose topsoils are split into the
following groups:
Topsoil (the upper 20cm of soil)
Subsoil Horizon
Mottling Indicates Waterlogging
Clay Subsoil
Crops frequently access some nutrients from below sampling
depth and from subsoil (especially potash). Soils with greater
rooting depth potential, and therefore volume, provide larger
total quantities of nutrient than shallow soils. It may be
possible to manage deep, well textured soils at slightly
lower concentrations than the stated targets given above.
However shallow rooting crops which do not explore the full
soil volume will still require normal nutrient concentrations.
• Acidic.
• Calcareous.
• Low fertility.
• Low fertility acidic.
• Low fertility calcareous.
Sourcing the right soil
Before purchasing your soil think about:
• Existing soil on the site - what is the ground like
and is the drainage good or bad?
• Soil Usage - What is going to be planted in the soil?
Make sure you get the right quality soil. If in doubt ask.
• Site access - For example, 29 tonne loads are
delivered in an artic lorry. Will a lorry this size be able to
gain access to the site? If it cannot then there are other
options – simply ask.
• Quantity - How much soil do you need?
As a rule 1 cubic metre = 1.3 tonnes.
To calculate volume (cubic metres) use the
following simple formula - width x length x depth.
www.bourneamenity.co.uk
Our Topsoils are classified according to type, to provide the customer with the most appropriate product for this application.
Product
Screened To
Product Description
TS1-F High quality Sandy Loam
10mm
Stone free and suitable for dressing turf
TS1 High quality Sandy Loam
20mm
Landscaping grade soil
TS1 Plus
20mm
75% Sandy Loam, 25% Green Compost
TS2-10 Natural Economy Soil
10mm
From various sites, contains stones
TS2-20 Natural Economy Soil
20mm
From various sites, contains stones
TS3-45 Clay Loam
45mm
A natural soil with “body”, nutrient rich
TS3-20 with Compost
20mm
75% Clay Loam, 25% Green Compost
TS4 Recycled Soil
10mm
Use under turf or for fill
TS5 As Dug Soil
n/a
TS6 Blended Soil
25mm
Soil straight off a green field site
Comprised of sand, soil and green compost
TS7 Ericaceous Soil
20mm
Low pH, suitable for acid loving plants
We can supply the above in all volumes from 1 tonne bags to full 29 tonne loads. All products are subject to availability.
Local weather conditions are an important factor in our ability to produce our Topsoils but we do have considerable
stocks of selected grades under cover to try to provide an “all year round service”.
Which soil is appropriate?
General applications for soil
BS 3882
TS1-F
TS1
TS1 Plus
Types of soil
TS2-10
ü
ü
ü
ü
TS2-20
General
Landscaping
ü
ü
ü
ü
Domestic
Property
ü
ü
ü
ü
Under
Turf
ü
ü
ü
ü
ü
ü
ü
TS4
ü
ü
TS5
TS6
TS7
Goalmouth
C-Circle
Renovation
ü
ü
ü
ü
Top Dressing
Sports Pitch
ü
TS3-45
TS3-20
Raising
Levels
ü
ü
ü
ü
Specialists in the manufacture and distribution of top quality soils
Topsoils
BS3882 and Specification
The 2007 British Standard for soil quality outlined on
the previous page should act purely as a reference
point when purchasing soil.
Site specific specifications ensure that your soil supplier
has to work to your requirements and provide the best
possible material for the environment. Samples can be
misleading so always ask to visit the suppliers source if
you are unsure. When a certificate is presented by your
supplier you need to check it for authenticity and that
it is a true reflection of the material you are purchasing.
Check the date and the accreditation of the laboratories
that carried out the analysis and never accept a soil
with an analysis more than 6 months old.
• Green Field As Dug topsoils
• Various grades of sand
• PAS100 green waste compost
• Fensoil
• Peat substitutes
CLEA
The revised Contaminated Land Exposure Assessment guidelines were published in 2008 by the Environmental Agency
and designed to analyse soil and asses whether land-use poses
a risk to human health. All of our blended soils conform to
these guidelines and have full contamination reports.
The benefits of Amelioration and
Blended Soils
In many instances, topsoil substitutes (manufactured/
blended soils) provide as good if not a better alternative to
natural as dug topsoils. The ability to adjust the key components of a soil allows the end user to tailor each element for
an individual project. Bourne Amenity are vastly experienced
in blending soils to meet exact specifications allowing for
consistent composition, a greater availability and reduced
potential for weed and contaminants.
These elements help control vital performance factors such
as permeability and NPK levels enabling us to tailor your soil
to enhance its performance as a growing medium.
Specialist Soil Manufacture and
Specifications
Having control over the vital performance variables of a soil
means that you can rely on your growing medium to perform
and respond to the specialist conditions you have allowed for.
We have a number of soil depots with the facilities and capacity to blend and formulate soils to your own requirement
or to a specification suited to your particular application.
Our experience in the sports turf industry gives us the edge
in the analysis and understanding of how a soil profile will
perform under a range of carefully selected circumstances.
Our ability to alter the structure and nutrient uptake of a soil
profile gives us the edge in creating soils that can deal with
the demands placed on natural surfaces.
We can sample your existing soil profile and suggest the most
cost effective way of transforming the performance of the
material to your specified conditions. We cover problems
with permeability, and available NPK levels as well as assessing
seasonal wear and tear on a soil.
We have the capacity to blend soils to meet most
specifications using a variety of materials including:
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Visible contaminants %m/m
>2mm
…of which plastic
…sharps
Phytotoxic contaminants (by soil PH) (mg/kgDS)
Soil PH range
Zn (Nitric acid extractable)
Cu (Nitric acid extractable)
Ni (Nitric acid extractable)
< 200
< 100
< 60
< 6.0
< 0.1
< 15
< 120
< 600
3-20
-
1-10
1-10
< 0.5
< 0.25
zero in 1kg air-dried soil
< 200
< 135
< 75
< 300
< 200
< 110
Multipurpose and specific purpose topsoil’s
6.0 - 7.0
> 7.0
< 15
0-30
0-10
zero
5-35
0-65
30-85
Low Fertility
Exchangeable sodium percentage %
Need not measure if soil electrical conductivity <2800uS cm-1
≥ 0.15
16-100
121-900
51-600
3-20
-
3-30
3-30
Acidic
Specific Purpose
< 20:1
≥ 0.15
16-100
121-900
51-600
3-20
-
3-20
5-20
Topsoil
Multipurpose
Carbon:Nitrogen ratio
Available plant nutrient content
Nitrogen %m/m
Extractable phosphorus mg/l
Extractable potassium mg/l
Extractable magnesium mg/l
PH H2O
Carbonate %m/m
Maximum coarse fragment content >2mm
>20mm
>50mm
Soil organic matter content %m/m
Clay 5-20%
Clay 20-35%
Soil texture %m/m
Clay content %
Silt content %
Sand Content %
Parameter
BS3882:2007 Multi Purpose Topsoil Specifications
≥ 0.15
16-100
121-900
51-600
3-20
-
3-30
5-30
Calcareous
PAS 100:2005, procedure E6.2
Modified Walkley Black [1]
and BS 77855-3.7:1995
BS 7755-3.7:1995
BS ISO 10390:2005
BS 7755-3.10:1995
BS 7755-5.4:1998
Modified Walkley Black [1]
BS 7755-5.4:1998
Method Of Test
Head Office
The Wharf
Newenden
Cranbrook
Kent
TN18 5QG
Tel: 01797 252299 – Fax: 01797 253115
www.bourneamenity.co.uk
Our various soil blending sites give us excellent access and coverage
of the South East, London and the midlands.
Bourne Amenity are members
of the following accredited
Associations: