Soil analysis has become a valuable tool for farmers, gardeners, and property developers all over the world. Soil testing is a diagnostic tool for determining the nutrient profile and structure of the soil and is completed by measuring the chemical and physical attributes of the earth. So, what are the benefits of a soil analysis?
Checks the soils’ pH range.
Most soils have a pH of 6 – 6.5. The reason it is beneficial to check this is because different plants thrive with different soil types. For example, Magnolias, Camellias and Ceanothus grow better in acidic soils where as Polemoniums, Lavender and Honeysuckle prefer alkaline conditions. By making sure that you plant the right plants for the type of soil present in your garden, you can ensure that they thrive going forward.
Controls unwanted pests and diseases.
Soils that have been struck with infestation usually have a nutrient imbalance in the earth. A soil analysis can help to determine what nutrients your soil lacks and what steps should you take to amend it. Once adjusted, pest problems should no longer be an issue.
Minimise costs on fertilizer.
As a soil test allows you to discover what nutrients are in your soil, you will not need to waste money on testing out many different types of fertilizer to make your crops thrive. Instead, you will know exactly which nutrients your plants need and can buy the right fertilizer, the first time.
When should soil tests be conducted?
A soil analysis can be completed at any time of year but is usually done before you start to plant any crops or plants. It is recommended that an analysis is carried out when the soil is dry.
If you’re in need of a soil analysis or any other soil services such as a pressure soil test or WAC testing, then feel free to contact us!
Three Endangered UK Animal Species
The term ‘endangered species’ often leads people to think of tropical or sea animals, such as wales, giant tortoises or big cats. However, the UK does have several endangered species whose habitats are constantly being affected by developments. Please see below for some information about three of the lesser-known endangered UK animal species.
Three Endangered UK Animal Species
Capercaillies Capercaillies are the largest members of the grouse family and are around the same size as a turkey. These birds originate from Scotland, but they also live in Northern England, specifically in pine woods or conifer plantations. In the last 20 years, the population of capercaillies has declined by as much as 50% (2,000 in 1990 down to 1,000 in 2016). The main reason for their decline is predators encroaching onto their habitat due to continued urbanisation; conservationists are keen to reverse this as soon as possible.
Water voles Water voles may appear similar to rats, but they have rounder bodies, a shorter snout, and hairy tails. Voles live on grassy banks where they can feed on grass, tree bark and insects. The water vole population has decreased by 90% in the last 100 years (based on the number of sites where voles have been sighted). As such, they are currently classed as Britain’s most threatened mammal. Riverside properties have become ever more popular which has led to the destruction of the vole’s habitat. Pollution has also had a negative impact on waterways, resulting in less organic growth and affecting the vole’s food source.
Hazel dormice Hazel dormice are nocturnal mice, with large black eyes and sandy, golden fur. These mice make their home in light woodland and old hedgerows. Like many rodents, they have a varied diet – feeding on seeds, flowers or insects, depending on the season. The hazel dormouse has also been referred to as being one of the ‘most endearing’ mice species, due to the large eyes and cute appearance. However, in the last 20 years, the population of these mice has dropped by 70%, with studies suggesting this is almost entirely down to habitat loss and climate change.
With these animal species, and more, facing extinction, an endangered species survey on your development may improve more crucial than ever. Please contact ProHort if you are considering, or are in the early stages of, a development and find out more information about our ecological services.
The Environmental Impact of Bats and Birds in your Garden
Bats and birds in your garden are very common, of any shape and size, preferring to live and nest in established trees. Here are why bats and birds are important residents in your garden:
Firstly, bats play a role in successful pollination of over 500 plant species – including but not limited to mango, banana, guava and other tropical fruit, as well as a variety of flowers. While these plants are not indigenous to the UK, many bats will migrate for the colder winter months, and will play a role pollinating these plants elsewhere across Europe.
Birds also play an important role in doing this – around 5% of the plants that humans use for food or medicine are pollinated by birds. Birds also carry the seeds they have ingested and disperse them through their droppings – this helps our forests and marshes thrive.
All UK based bats are insectivores – they eat only insects. Bats can help keep insects away from crops but also enjoy eating gnats and mosquitos, helping to keep these pests at bay in the summer. Many common garden birds will also eat insects and help keep these pests at bay.
Finally, both bats and birds are indicators of good ecological health. Bats and birds are both sensitive to changes in temperature, weather and other environmental factors – having bats and birds present in your garden shows that your garden is healthy and thriving.
ProHort Ltd, as part of our tree survey service, will identify whether trees or hedgerows on a property have any suitable features for nesting bats and birds. We would recommend completing a tree survey ahead of any building work. It is a criminal offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb roosting bats, destroy a habitat suitable for bat roosting, or obstruct access to a bat roost.
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Soil Contamination – What causes it and how to deal with it.
Soil contamination occurs when the level of pollutants, including chemicals, man-made waste, radioactive materials and salts, is higher than the normally expected level. This then results in the deterioration of the natural properties of the soil, as well as the environment, comfort and health of individuals being adversely affected.
Soil contamination can be caused by a wide range of different factors and events which can all have differing effects on the soil itself. The most common events that result in soil contamination include the introduction of industrial waste into the soil, leaking underground storage tanks or contaminated water seeping into the soil and an excessive use of pesticides or herbicides on the land. Further activities that can contribute to soil contamination include mining, the introduction of asbestos as the result of construction works and the storage of fuel or lead. The presence of Japanese knotweed in an area of soil can also result in that soil being considered as contaminated.
Is Your Soil Contaminated?
If your soil becomes contaminated this can have various residual effects depending upon the environment that the soil is situated in.
In agricultural and rural environments, the fertility of the soil can be reduced resulting in the inability to grow crops and other plants. This reduction in crop yield can then have a further impact on the level of soil erosion and can alter the flora and fauna that can be found in that area. This, ultimately, can result in a change to the entire ecosystem and reduce levels of biodiversity.
Industrial environments will, again, see a decrease in the amount of vegetation found within the area and the release of gases and radioactive rays that could be detrimental to health. Public health may also be at risk in urban areas, as a result of clogged drains, the release of gases and pollution of water sources resulting from soil contamination.
Once soil on your land has been identified as contaminated this can also have detrimental implications for any construction or development plans for that land, as the legal responsibility for that contaminated land lies with the property owner. As a property owner, you will be expected to treat the contamination either before you obtain planning permission for the development, or as part of the development itself. This can result in significant additional costs and delays to development.
If you are planning to develop on your land and suspect that the soils on that land might be contaminated, you should always ensure that the soil is tested and analysed before development begins. This will allow for the correct method of treatment or removal to be actioned and will give you the peace of mind that the costs involved are an absolute necessity to ensure that the development work runs as smoothly as possible.
It is also recommended that a survey for Japanese knotweed is completed by a certified Japanese knotweed surveyor to identify any potential invasive weeds on the site and to ensure an appropriate removal plan is put in to place before development starts.
Contact Us
ProHort can provide you with soil testing and analysis to identify any contaminated soil, whether that be industrial or agricultural. Why not give us a call on 01782 479479 for more information?
Soil contamination occurs when the level of pollutants, including chemicals, man-made waste, radioactive materials and salts, is higher than the normally expected level. This then results in the deterioration of the natural properties of the soil, as well as the environment, comfort and health of individuals being adversely affected.