On page 49 of the LEEDv4.1 guide it states that soil testing is only needed on imported soils. Under Step-by-Step guidance, it states "Soil tests are only required for imported soils". Then on page 50 it states "Test the soil to be restored or replaced and incorporate test recommended amendments". Furthermore, under Required Documentation it states " Soil test analysis results with recommended amendments to be provided".
This seem contradictory. How can you provide soil recommendations without testing the existing soil conditions? What soil testing is required?
Thanks,
Max
Cristina Florit
IBO Institut für Bauen und Ökologie3 thumbs up
March 3, 2020 - 5:57 am
We have the same question. Which soil testing is required? I can't find an answer yet. Did you explain that somewhere else?
Thanks,
Cristina
Chandan Jain
Sustainability AnalystMission Green Buildings-Member of Integral Group
2 thumbs up
November 12, 2020 - 1:44 pm
Did you guys recieve clarification on this item yet? We are also struggling with the same question.
Cheers,
Chandan
Trista Brown
Project DirectorWSP USA
449 thumbs up
November 12, 2020 - 4:51 pm
Hi all - here's what I know based on a USGBC webinar covering v4.1 updates to the SS credits. USGBC's presentation deck said "soil testing for imported soils only" and my notes say "incorporate test-recommended amendments into imported soils". As noted above, the v4.1 language doesn't cover which tests are required, so I'd recommend looking to the v4 Soil Testing Guidelines, Table 3 for the criteria that should be tested (pH, conductivity, organic matter, sulfur... etc). In unclear cases like these, I also recommend reaching out to GBCI to outline your assumptions/approach and get their confirmation that it's acceptable. And I'd be curious if any LEEDuser members have attempted this and can chime in with their experience!