British Standard BS3882:2007

The British Standard Specification for Topsoil, BS3882:1994, was revised in late 2007 with a new standard BS3882:2007 - Specification for Topsoil and requirements for use.

Rolawn has always endeavoured to provide customers with specific, relevant and authoritative information on its topsoils to enable them to make informed choices. With the introduction of the revised standard, Rolawn believes other suppliers will have to be as forthcoming, to enable customers to make an informed choice, based on like for like comparisons. It is important however to be aware that no one specification can be suitable for all landscape projects.

Rolawn welcomes the introduction of the revised standard, as it has been designed to drive suppliers, specifiers and users of topsoil, to take into account the intended use of the topsoil and ensure it is fit for purpose. Rolawn has updated its sampling protocol and analysis certificates, to ensure compliance with the revised standard.

• The British Standard specifies the requirements for Topsoil that is to be imported or traded
• It is not intended (or appropriate) for the assessment of topsoil that remains in-situ
• Transporting soil involves mechanical handling (e.g. excavation and loading). Not all naturally-occurring soils ‘survive’ such intensive handling to retain the ability to function properly

Manufactured Topsoil has been given the same status as Natural Topsoil.

There are two grades:

Multipurpose

• This is a grade suited to most situations where topsoil is required
• However, there can be situations where specific purpose topsoil is required
• Some natural topsoils, especially clayey or low organic silty topsoils, might not be able to survive the handling involved with importing topsoil

Specific Purpose

Specific purpose topsoil can be specified by one or more of the following qualifiers:

• Low fertility
• Acidic
• Calcareous

These soils are not appropriate for general landscaping projects.

Additional information requirements regarding:

Soil Sampling

• Sampling in-situ using a ‘W’ or ‘grid’ pattern
• As part of a Soil Resource Survey - Not a geotechnical investigation
• Sampling from a stockpile
• 1 composite sample : 5000m³ minimum

Soil Handling and Storage

• To minimise damage through compaction
• Protection of watercourses from runoff and flooding
• Segregation of topsoil from other soils and building materials
• Minimise soil erosion and weed establishment by sowing and maintaining a grass/legume

Subsoil Preparation

Topsoil Spreading

Declaration of Analysis

Topsoil Suppliers will be required to provide a Declaration of Analysis.

This will include:

• Location of topsoil source, and previous and current land use for Natural Soils
• Date of Sampling and Analysis
• Test results including Contamination Parameters
• Written confirmation of compliance with the relevant Topsoil Grade in BS3882:2007

Copies of BS3882:2007 are available from:

BSI
Customer Services Department
Tel: 0208 996 9001

The cost of the Standard is £102 for non BSI members and £51 for BSI members.