SOIL TESTING Simple Perc Test & Soil Ribbon Test

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SOIL TESTING Simple Perc Test & Soil Ribbon Test FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW TO COMPLETE SOIL TESTING FOR YOUR SITE. USE THE TABLES TO RECORD RESULTS. SIMPLE PERC TEST SOIL TEST EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL LIST This test will help determine whether an infiltration type For Simple Perc Test: stormwater practice can be installed in the proposed • Shovel location. Ideally, a 12” deep hole will drain completely within • Bucket to carry water 24 hours. Enter up to 4 locations in the table below. • Tarp or wheel barrow to temporarily 1. Using a shovel or a post hole digger, dig a 1-foot store soil while running test deep hole and use a watering can or bucket to fill it • Ruler or yard stick with water. • Watch or clock 2. Fill the hole with water to moisten the soil and allow it to drain completely (NOTE: if the hole fills with water on its own or if water is still in the hole after 24 hours, choose a new location). 3. Fill the hole with water a second time and place a ruler or yard stick in the hole. Note the water level and time. After 15 minutes, check the water level again and note the new water level. Multiply the change in water level by 4 to get the number of inches of infiltration in an hour. Location Example 1 2 3 4 Starting water level (inches) 2.5 (from top) Ending water level after 15 7.0 (from top) minutes (inches) 4.5 x 4 = Difference multiplied by 4 (in/hr) 18”/hr SOIL RIBBON TEST This test will help determine the soil type which is important in determining the size of certain infiltration type stormwater practices, such as rain gardens. Enter up to 5 locations in the table below. 1. Grab a handful of moist soil and roll it into a ball in your hand. 2. Place the ball of soils between your thumb and the side of your forefinger and gently push the soil forward with your thumb, squeezing it upwards to form a ribbon about 1/4 inch thick. 3. Try to keep the ribbon uniform in thickness and width. Soil Type Ribbon Length (inches) Repeat the motion to lengthen the ribbon until it Sand No ribbon will form breaks under its own weight. Measure the ribbon with a ruler or measuring tape and compare it to the table Silt Weak ribbon <1.5” to the right. Clay >1.5” Location 1 2 3 4 5 Ribbon Length (inches).

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Simple Soil Tests for On-Site Evaluation of Soil Health in Orchards
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