Soil Analysis Your guarantee of quality
To ensure the topsoil you order is fit for purpose‭, ‬we strongly advise you obtain a comprehensive analysis of the topsoil from your chosen supplier‭.

If you are importing a topsoil then it is vital that it is analysed to and meets the British Standard for topsoil BS3882:2015, but has also been analysed for contaminants and potentially toxic elements.

All British Sugar TOPSOIL products are analysed and assessed by an independent Soil Scientist, the accredited Tim O’Hare Associates based in Oxfordshire.

The initial visual examination describes the product (colour, moisture level, friability, etc.) and covers whether stones, weeds, roots or rhizomes of pernicious weeds are present.

The sample is then submitted to a UKAS and MCERTS accredited laboratory for a range of physical and chemical tests to confirm the composition and fertility of the soil, and the absence of potential contaminants.

Click below to see our latest soil microbiology reports.

Soil Microbiology report

Quality

All products are quality assured by regular independent analysis. Unlike ‘muckaway’ and other inconsistent material, they are free of contamination, glass or building material residue and are devoid of invasive weeds, such as Japanese Knotweed. As natural products, none are sterilised, so annual weeds may appear.

Storage

All TOPSOIL products are delivered in optimum condition. To maintain the consistency and ensure easy application, it is advisable to keep them covered when not being used.

The following parameters are determined:
  • particle size analysis and stone content
  • pH value
  • electrical conductivity values (CaSO4 and water extracts)
  • major plant nutrients (N, P, K, Mg)
  • organic matter content
  • heavy metals (As, Ba, Br, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Hg, Ni, Se, V, Zn, B)
  • soluble sulphate, elemental sulphur, acid volatile sulphide
  • total cyanide and total (mono) phenols
  • total petroleum hydrocarbons (C10-C40)
  • speciated PAHs (US EPA16 suite)
  • aromatic and aliphatic TPH (C5-C35 banding)
  • BTex
  • asbestos

Finally, the results are presented on a Certificate of Analysis along with an interpretation of the results.

Typical analysis certificate

In addition to the above suite of analysis our range of Subsoils & Dressings are analysed for Particle Size (PSA), Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity and Porosity.

Typical Sports & Turf, STRI analysis

Some of our accreditations‭:‬

Accreditation bali registered Accreditation Grounds Management Association corporate plus Accreditation SGD sponsor 2017 awards Accreditation STRI Accreditation tim ohare associates Accreditation BIGGA Accreditation BIGGA Regional Patron 2024

Need advice?
Talk to the TOPSOIL team  ❯