Soil Testing & Analysis
Comprehensive chemical and nutrient profiling for planning, remediation and land-quality assurance — delivered nationwide by accredited consultants.Â
Do you need Soil Testing & Analysis?
You may need soil testing if development, remediation, foundation design or land transactions depend on understanding contamination levels, nutrient balance, pH, or soil behaviour.Â
These tests provide the independent evidence required by planners, insurers, engineers and environmental regulators under the Environment Act 2021, Contaminated Land Regulations 2006, Building Regulations (Part C) and associated policy.Â
This early clarity protects you from last-minute delays and unplanned redesign.Â
What is Soil Testing & Analysis?
Soil Testing & Analysis provides a full chemical and nutrient assessment of the ground, including contaminants, fertility parameters and physical indicators that affect development, planting or reuse.
Typical testing includes:Â
- pH and acidityÂ
- nutrient profile (NPK and micronutrients)Â
- heavy metalsÂ
- petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH, BTEX, MTBE)Â
- phenols and chlorinated compoundsÂ
- electrical conductivity and redox potentialÂ
- organic matter contentÂ
- soil composition and suitability for planting or reuseÂ
All analysis is carried out through ISO 17025 and ISO 9001 accredited laboratories to ensure defensible, planning-ready evidence.Â
Typical Triggers
Physical Indicators:
- visible staining, odours or ash/clinker layersÂ
- nutrient deficiency or vegetation die-backÂ
- inconsistent drainage or waterloggingÂ
- legacy industrial, agricultural or fuel-storage useÂ
- rubble or made-ground within topsoilÂ
Administrative Indicators:
- planning request for soil analysisÂ
- remediation verification requiredÂ
- groundwork design for shrink–swell soilsÂ
- due diligence for purchase or saleÂ
- insurance investigationsÂ
- waste classification or reuse assessments
Early instruction keeps the testing phase aligned with your wider project timeline.Â
What We Deliver
A structured, proportionate and defensible testing service, delivered through accredited laboratories.Â
| Service Package | Purpose | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Core Package (Client-collected samples) |
You collect the sample using the ProHort sampling kit and instructions. The sample is returned to ProHort via our courier. |
ISO 17025/9001 compliant chemical breakdown of soil composition. |
| Analytical Package (Includes the full Core Package) |
Adds professional interpretation of laboratory data, showing how results compare with accepted standards. | Clear findings, contamination significance, and proportionate recommendations. |
| Comprehensive Package (Includes Core + Analytical) |
A ProHort expert attends site, undertakes sampling and conducts a visual assessment of factors influencing soil behaviour (e.g., contamination indicators, plant stress, drainage, context). | Integrated field observations, expert opinion and full laboratory analysis in a planning- or remediation-ready format. |
That’s how evidence stays proportionate, design stays predictable and your programme keeps momentum.Â
Case Insight
How it Works
Scoping
Send site details and a short summary; we identify the correct testing level.Â
Sampling
Either:
- We provide kits, vessels and instructions for client-collected samples, orÂ
- Our consultant attends site under the Comprehensive Package.Â
Test & Report
Accredited laboratories analyse the samples; ProHort interprets and reports findings clearly and proportionately.Â
Timing & Delivery
Inspection Availability
Year-round.
Turnaround
Typically within 10 working days, including lab analysis
Urgent Cases
Fast-track testing available
Every week gained here stabilises programme flow and prevents downstream delays.
Why clients choose ProHort:
- Accredited, defensible laboratory analysisÂ
- Practical interpretation — not just raw dataÂ
- Proportionate testing levels (no unnecessary upsell)Â
- Reliable, technically confident reportingÂ
- Seamless integration with UKWIR, WAC and legal soil reportingÂ
- Nationwide availabilityÂ
What You Receive:
- Accredited laboratory analysis (ISO 17025 & ISO 9001)Â
- Nutrient and contamination profilingÂ
- Suitability assessment for development, remediation or plantingÂ
- Clear recommendations aligned with regulatory and planning needsÂ
- Field observations (Comprehensive Package)Â
- Planning-ready, remediation-ready and design-support reportingÂ
- Nationwide coverageÂ
Legal Compliance & Planning Risk
Soil testing supports compliance with:
- Contaminated Land Regulations 2006Â
- Environment Act 2021Â
- Building Regulations Part C (Site preparation & contaminants)Â
- Waste Framework DirectiveÂ
- NPPF Sections 15 & 16Â
- CPR Part 35 (where evidence is used in disputes)Â
- Local planning authority verification requirementsÂ
- ProHort Quality Assurance and peer review protocolsÂ
Weak or incomplete evidence can lead to:
- planning refusalsÂ
- validation delaysÂ
- unnecessary excavation or disposalÂ
- foundation redesignÂ
- liability disputesÂ
- stalled remediationÂ
Early testing locks in programme certainty and prevents cost creep.Â
Your Next Step
Need Soil testing? We’ll confirm your requirements and deliver clear, compliant testing — fast.
Phone: 0800 494 7479Â
Email: [email protected]Â
Areas We Cover
We cover many areas across England and Wales. Click below to find out more.
Soil Testing FAQs
What is soil testing and analysis?
Soil testing and analysis is the process of collecting soil samples from a site and assessing their physical and chemical properties. This includes contaminants, nutrients, pH, and composition to determine suitability for development, landscaping, or environmental compliance.
When is a soil test required for planning?
Soil testing is typically required where there is potential contamination risk, previous industrial use, or where planning conditions require validation of ground suitability. Local Planning Authorities may request soil analysis as part of environmental assessments or pre-commencement conditions.
What does a soil test assess?
A soil test can assess a range of parameters depending on the project requirements, including:
- Contaminants such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and asbestos
- Soil pH and nutrient levels
- Organic matter content
- Soil structure and composition
- Suitability for planting or habitat creation
The scope is tailored to meet planning or environmental objectives.
Why is soil testing important for development?
Soil testing ensures that land is safe, suitable, and compliant with planning requirements. It helps identify contamination risks early, informs design decisions, and prevents delays during planning validation or construction.
What types of soil testing are available?
Different types of soil testing are used depending on the project, including:
- Contamination testing (WAC testing and chemical analysis)
- Agricultural and nutrient testing
- Geotechnical soil analysis
- Environmental and ecological soil assessments
Each type supports different planning or land use outcomes.
What is WAC testing and when is it needed?
Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) testing determines how excavated soil must be classified for disposal or reuse. It is required when soil is being removed from a site and ensures compliance with environmental regulations and landfill requirements.
How are soil samples collected?
Soil samples are collected systematically across a site to provide representative results. This may involve:
- Hand augering or trial pits
- Targeted sampling in high-risk areas
- Laboratory-certified sampling procedures
Sampling strategies are designed to align with planning and regulatory expectations.
How long does soil testing take?
The timeframe depends on the scope of testing and laboratory requirements. Sampling is typically completed within a day for smaller sites, with laboratory results and reporting following shortly after. Timeframes are aligned with planning programme requirements where needed.
Will soil testing identify contamination risks?
Yes. Soil testing is specifically designed to identify contaminants that could pose risks to human health, controlled waters, or future site use. This is particularly important for brownfield sites or land with historic industrial use.
Do I need soil testing for landscaping or planting schemes?
Soil testing is highly recommended for landscaping and planting. It ensures the soil supports healthy growth, identifies any nutrient deficiencies, and informs soil improvement or remediation strategies where required.
How does soil testing support Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)?
Soil conditions directly influence habitat creation and long-term success. Soil testing helps confirm whether proposed habitats are viable and supports the design of Biodiversity Gain Plans and Habitat Management & Monitoring Plans.
What happens after soil testing is completed?
Following testing, a detailed report is produced outlining findings, risks, and recommendations. This may include:
- Suitability for development or planting
- Remediation requirements (if needed)
- Compliance with planning conditions
- Guidance for construction or landscaping
Reports are prepared to meet Local Planning Authority requirements.
Do Local Planning Authorities require specific soil reports?
Yes, requirements can vary between authorities. Many LPAs require soil testing to support planning validation or discharge conditions. For example, guidance from authorities such as
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/land-contamination-risk-management
sets out expectations for land contamination risk assessments and supporting evidence.
Can soil testing be combined with other environmental surveys?
Yes. Soil testing is often carried out alongside ecological surveys, arboricultural assessments, and BNG work. Combining services ensures a coordinated approach and reduces delays in the planning process.
Is soil testing only needed for contaminated land?
No. While contamination is a common trigger, soil testing is also used for agricultural assessments, habitat creation, landscaping, and verifying ground conditions for development.
