BS 3882:2015 pdf free
BS 3882:2015 pdf free.Specification for topsoil.
2 Normative references
Standards publications
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are indispensable for its appilcation. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
BS 7755-3.7:1995, Soil quality — Part 3: Chemical methods — Section 3.7:
Determination of total nitrogen — Modified Kjeidahl method
BS EN 12579:2013, Soil improvers and growing media — Sampling
BS EN ISO 3696:1995, Water for analytical laboratory use — Specification and test
methods
BS ISO 10390:200S, Soil quality — Determination of pH
BS ISO 11277:2009, Soil quality — Determination of particle size distribution in mineral soil material — Method by sieving and sedimentation
BS ISO 16729:2013, Soil quality — Determination of nitric acid soluble fractions of elements
Other publications
[N1JDEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS. Construction code of practice for the sustainable use of soils on construction sites.
London: DEFRA, 2009.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this British Standard the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1 topsoil
top layer of soil, darker in colour and with more organic matter than the layer below (subsoil), or manufactured soil with similar properties
NOTE The thickness of a natural topsoil varies with land use and management.
3.2 subsoil
soil layer extending between the topsoil and the little weathered parent material below, or material that functions in the same way in a constructed soil profile and on to which topsoil can be spread
NOTE Usually subsoil has a lower concentration of organic matter and available plant nutrients than topsoil.
3.3 soil texture
proportion by mass of sand, silt and clay sized particles in the mineral fraction of the <2 mm fraction of soil
3.4 soil structure
arrangement formed by aggregation of primary soil particles (mineral and organic) into larger units
NOTE It is the spaces (pores) between these larger units (aggregates) that allow the flow of air and water, and root penetration.
4 Topsoil classification and characteristics
NOTE If correctly handled, placed over a non-compact subsoil and managed appropriately (including attention to drainage), topsoil is capable of sustainably supporting grass, trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants and other plantings (see Annex A). However, irrespective of its classification, unless correctly handled and managed, a topsoil cannot be expected necessarily to perform these functions satisfactorily.
4.1 Classification
The topsoil shall be classified as:
a) multipurpose topsoil; or
b) specific purpose topsoil.
Specific purpose topsoil shall be further classified as follows:
1) acidic;
2) calcareous;
3) low fertility;
4) low fertility acidic;
5) low fertility calcareous.
NOTE I Multipurpose topsoil is the grade suited to most situations where topsoil is required; however, there can be situations where specific purpose topsoil is required (see Note 31. Some natural topsoils, especially clayey and low organic matter silty topsoils, might not be able to survive the handling involved with trading topsoil.
NOTE 2 Specific purpose topsoils comprise topsoils with characteristics appropriate for specialist applications, e.g. supporting the growth of certain plants or plant communities.
NOTE 3 Specific purpose topsoils might not be appropriate for general landscaping projects.
NOTE 4 When specifying multipurpose or specific purpose topsoil, users, specifiers and suppliers of topsoil should take into account the intended use of the site at which the topsoil is to be deployed so that the particular properties are fit for that use.
NOTE 5 The specification of low fertility topsoils is complex because it depends on the intended planting. Specialist advice is recommended. General guidance on low fertility topsoils is given in Annex B.
4.2 Characteristics
The topsoil shall be sampled in accordance with Clause 5. The samples shall be reduced and prepared in accordance with Annex C and tested in accordance with the methods listed in Table 1. The characteristics of the samples shall be as specified in Table 1 and Figure 1.
NOTE I Attention is drawn to the documents listed Table 1, Note 2 to Note 5.
NOTE 2 The methods given in Annex F Annex G and Annex I are based on
Reference Book 427 (81 as used and validated by the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service (ADAS).BS 3882 pdf free download.
