What is a Soil Test?

 

So, What is a Soil Test / Perc / Perk Test?

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Consist of excavating a 4" inch diameter hole 72" inches deep with the use of an auger to accurately classify colors and features according to the USDA NRCS Soil Survey Manual, identifying accurately the Chroma, Value, Characteristics, and texture of the soils at the proposed site.

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Soil Testing and why it is important.

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They can help homebuyers and developers determine soil-related hazards or limitations that affect homesites.

They can help land use planners determine the suitability of areas for housing or onsite sewage disposal systems. They can help farmers estimate the potential crop or forage production of their land. 

They can be used to determine the suitability and limitations of soils for pipelines, buildings, landfills, recreation areas, and many other uses. A soil report or also known as a "Perc Test" provides valuable information that can help you make informed decisions about how to manage your property. It can also help you identify potential future problems before they become more serious and costly to address.

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So, what is Soil?

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Many people assume that soils are all alike and that their uses are un-limited. Some people are unaware of the importance of soil in our environment and the great differences in soil properties that can occur within short distances. Soils may be seasonally wet or subject to flooding. They may be shallow to bedrock. They may be too unstable to be used as a foundation for buildings or roads. Clayey or wet soils are poorly suited for septic tank absorption fields. A high water table makes soil poorly suited for underground installations and many more...

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Soil is defined  by the Soil Science Society of America as:

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The unconsolidated mineral or organic material on the immediate surface of the Earth serves as a natural medium for the growth of land plants.

 

The unconsolidated mineral or organic matter on the surface of the Earth that has been subjected to and shows effects of genetic and environmental factors of climate (including water and temperature effects), and macro- and microorganisms, conditioned by relief, acting on parent material over a period of time. A product-soil differs from the material from which it is derived in many physical, chemical, biological, and morphological properties and characteristics.

 

As described by the Soil Science Society of America, the soil is the basis of our ecosystem and it helps supper important functions such as:

 

• Sustain the life of plants and animals by the decomposition and release of nutrients.

• Regulates water flow.

• An important actor in the water cycle, functioning as a filters, buffer, degrade, immobilizer and detoxifier.

• It is where we live, play, and build our homes.

 

What is under our feet?

 

• Minerals

• Organic Matter

• Bacterias

• Fungi

• Protozoa

• Nematodes

• Arthropodes

• Earthworms

 

With over 23,000 variations of soils, we can say that every soil in our planet is unique and can be distinguished by its physical, chemical and biological properties. These properties can be classified in to:

 

• Color

• Texture

• Structure

• Consistency

• Roots

• Pores

• Other

 

The United States Department of Agriculture has created soil surveys for counties and states providing specific information of the soil that is found in these locations. By classifying our soils, we can understand the benefits, limitations and behaviors of our environment. Soil composition and characteristics can play a role in

 

• Dust

• Flooding

• Sinkholes

• Water Table

• Urban hydrology

• Crop loss

• Septic Failure

• Others

 

The surveys are made by USGS Natural Resources Conservation Service in cooperation with other Federal, State, and local agencies. 

​

Soil Testing and why it is important.

​

They can help homebuyers and developers determine soil-related hazards or limitations that affect homesites.

They can help land use planners determine the suitability of areas for housing or onsite sewage disposal systems. They can help farmers estimate the potential crop or forage production of their land. 

They can be used to determine the suitability and limitations of soils for pipelines, buildings, landfills, recreation areas, and many other uses. a soil report or better known as a "Perc Test" provides valuable information that can help you make informed decisions about how to manage your property. It can also help you identify potential problems before they become more serious and costly to address.

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Resources/ Bibliography: :

Natural Resources Conservation Service. Soil Education | NRCS Soils. (n.d.). Retrieved, from https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/soils/edu/