Landscape Technical Specification - OPW14/0197

Doonella – Stage C



7.        IMPORTED TOPSOIL




7.1       GENERAL

7.1.1     STANDARDS

Topsoil shall comply with this specification and AS 4419 `Soils for Landscaping and Garden Use’.

7.1.2     INTERPRETATION

DEFINITIONS

Topsoil: Soil that contains the following characteristics:

                    Contains organic matter.

                    Supports plant life.

                    Free from unwanted matter.

Unwanted matter (in topsoil):

                    Stones over 25 mm diameter.

                    Clay lumps.

                    Weeds and tree roots.

                    Sticks and rubbish.

                    Material toxic to plants.

Imported topsoil:

                    Fine: Clay loam, fine sandy loam, sandy clay loam, silty loam, loam.

                    Medium: Sandy loam, fine sandy loam.

                    Coarse: Sand, loamy sand.

Topsoil mixture: Topsoil and compost or other additives, thoroughly mixed before placing.




7.2      SOIL SAMPLING & TESTING
All topsoil shall have the following general characteristics:

         Texture to be medium to fine friable loam.

         Saturated soils will not be accepted.

         Nitrogen Drawdown Index (NDI) – testing of soil to be carried out to confirm organic materials in
          the soil mix have been fully composted (comply with AS 4419, clause 5.12).

         All mixes to be mechanically screened to comply with AS 4419, clause 5.15 and thoroughly
          blended to provide a uniform distribution of particles.

         Limit the use of components that display high shrinkage tendencies (i.e. Bagasse, Paper Mulch,
          spent Mushroom Compost, etc).

         No strong odours to persist once materials are spread and watered.



AECOM                                            2