Soil Testing

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

Did you guys recieve clarification on this item yet? We are also struggling with the same question. Cheers,
Chandan

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!

I posted this under the Solis Tests No Longer required heading.  It is my understanding they are required for imported soils.  However what tests are actually required?   In the credit's guide, the last sentence of the Soil Testing Guidelines section states, "Soil sample test results may include the components listed in Table 3. Table 3. Soil components".  I'm questioning the intent of the word "may". Have practitioners found flexibility in what components are tested for?  Is this up to a design professional such as a landscape architect to determoine what testing includes or have you found this to be a more or less prescribed list? If tests are more limited is it accepatble for the landscape architect to write an explanation that states something to the effect that the results of the tests indicate the soil will be suitable for the plant materials selected?

GBCI has clarified that based on the Step-by-Step Guidance, "Soil tests are only required for imported soils." They are looking for soil test results/reports for imported soils. These are typically construction phase submittals, reviewed and approved by the landscape architect/designer.

Summer, thank you for your response.  It is clear that soil tests are required for imported soils.  To pose my question another way, is there flexibility in what elements are tested for since the guidance states, "Soil sample test results may include the components listed in Table 3. Table 3. Soil components"? The word "may" suggests there is flexibility in the specific elements tested for, since it doesn't say "must". If tests include less than all the elements listed in Table 3 and, for instance, if the landscape architect includes a statement that they are satisfied the results of those tests are sufficient based on the needs of the specific plantings selected, will that be acceptacble?