Changes

The factors to consider in determining if a topsoil is suitable for use as planting soil for a vegetated stormwater practice include the following:

The factors to consider in determining if a topsoil is suitable for use as planting soil for a vegetated stormwater practice include the following:

 

* Must be friable and capable of sustaining vigorous plant growth;

Must be friable and capable of sustaining vigorous plant growth;

* Must be free from toxic material and roots, stones or debris over 50 mm in diameter;  

Must be free from toxic material and roots, stones or debris over 50 mm in diameter;

* Should not have been passed through sieves or screens smaller than 50 mm (2”) to avoid eliminating peds;  

Should not have been passed through sieves or screens smaller than 50 mm (2”) to avoid eliminating peds;

* Should have a Loamy Sand, Sandy Loam, Sandy Clay Loam, Loam or Silty Loam soil texture;  

Should have a Loamy Sand, Sandy Loam, Sandy Clay Loam, Loam or Silty Loam soil texture;

* Must contain a minimum of 5% organic matter by dry weight;  

Must contain a minimum of 5% organic matter by dry weight;

* Must have a pH of between 6.0 and 7.8;  

Must have a pH of between 6.0 and 7.8;

* Must have a sodium absorption ratio of less than 15;  

Must have a sodium absorption ratio of less than 15;

* Must have a cation exchange capacity of greater than 10 milliequivalents per 100 grams (meq/100 g).

Should have a cation exchange capacity of greater than 10 milliequivalents per 100 grams (meq/100 g)

Specify that 4 litre samples of topsoil from each source to be drawn upon be provided to the consultant for visual inspection, along with topsoil quality test results from an accredited soil testing laboratory, or a quality assurance certificate from the supplier.  

Specify that 4 litre samples of topsoil from each source to be drawn upon be provided to the consultant for visual inspection, along with topsoil quality test results from an accredited soil testing laboratory, or a quality assurance certificate from the supplier.