Soil Testing

[Kenneth Greene]

Hi Guys,
I was speaking with a couple young agents this am (ya know, hand shakes, card tansfer, basic small talk) and one of them asked me about soil testing.

Ok what is it, why would we offer it, and why were they asking about it?

[James E. Braun, CMI]

You need to be a soil scientist to test soil. Soil test needs to be performed for most residential sewer systems and large commercial buildings in Missouri.

[David A. Selman]

Kenneth,

I dont know why the agents where discussing soil testing. I believe that you must be a soil engineer to test soil.

Here in Texas, soil tests are performed at home building sites to determine how the foundation will be build. This is done by the builders engineers.

In Texas, it is also sometimes used to determine the type of septic systems that can be used at a given location.

Regards,
David Selman
Selman Home Inspections

[Mark S. Tyson]

Soil sampling is done prior to the start of a construction project. generally done by a geological engineering firm and most commonly using a split spoon sampler to determine three things (1) to obtain samples at various depths below the surface for the purpose of laboratory evaluation, (2) to determine the variation of the soil profile that exists on the site, (3) to determine the depth that free water is encoutered (water table). this testing is used to determine the suitability for construction and too aid the designer engineer with information to determine soil bearing values in relation to footing design. If your state has a land grant university you can probably obtain (free of charge) a soil survey for your state and will be available from the county agricultural extension office. if available it makes a great additon to your construction library. The agents were trying to blow smoke up your behind

[David A. Selman]

Kenneth,

I dont know why the agents where discussing soil testing. I believe that you must be a soil engineer to test soil.

Here in Texas, soil tests are performed at home building sites to determine how the foundation will be build. This is done by the builders engineers.

In Texas, it is also sometimes used to determine the type of septic systems that can be used at a given location.

Regards,
David Selman
Selman Home Inspections

[Thomas G. Valosin]

Ken,
Have had several instances when Clients have requested a soil sample be obtained and sent to lab for analysis. (all prior responses are good examples) In my specific cases, the agents client had concerns regarding prior use of property. In one case, they wanted to do organic farming and were concerned selling farmer had "poisoned the soil with chemical fertilizers". In another, buyer knew seller did custom auto-body and auto-building work. They had concerns regarding various hydrocarbons that "might" be where they wanted to raise sheep. In still another, there were concerns regarding potential pollutants from a small engine shop.
I see by your post you are in Albany. Why don't you come on out to our NY Capital Region Chapter of InterNACHI meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at Doratos at 155 & 20? www.ny.nachi.org/newyorkcapitalregion/events
Give me a landline 518 827 4852
Tom Valosin, President
NY Capital Region Chapter

[Scott Gilligan, CMI]

There are several different reasons for soil testing. The one that everyone keeps talking about is for soil compression testing typically done by an engineer. There are other reasons for soil sampling such as being part of an environmental impact study. You cna look for lead based paint in soil from around the perimeter of the house. You can look for PCB's in soil that would effect well water. You can look for pesticides in the soil that would also effect well water. The list goes on and on. Could be any number of reasons why someone would be talking about soil testing for a real estate transaction.

[Kenneth Greene]

Originally Posted by tvalosin

Ken,
Have had several instances when Clients have requested a soil sample be obtained and sent to lab for analysis. (all prior responses are good examples) In my specific cases, the agents client had concerns regarding prior use of property. In one case, they wanted to do organic farming and were concerned selling farmer had "poisoned the soil with chemical fertilizers". In another, buyer knew seller did custom auto-body and auto-building work. They had concerns regarding various hydrocarbons that "might" be where they wanted to raise sheep. In still another, there were concerns regarding potential pollutants from a small engine shop.
I see by your post you are in Albany. Why don't you come on out to our NY Capital Region Chapter of InterNACHI meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at Doratos at 155 & 20? www.ny.nachi.org/newyorkcapitalregion/events
Give me a landline 518 827 4852
Tom Valosin, President
NY Capital Region Chapter

Tom thanks for the info and yes i am planning on trying to make some of the local chapter meetings.

[ldapkus]

A garden planted next to a building with peeling/deteriorated lead paint can be a problem. Lead leaches into the soil and in turn into your veggies.

[Wayne B. Wilson]

Originally Posted by ldapkus

A garden planted next to a building with peeling/deteriorated lead paint can be a problem. Lead leaches into the soil and in turn into your veggies.

your are worried about lead? in your veggies, How about
http://www.nrdc.org/water/pollution/nspills.asp
http://truefoodnow.org/campaigns/sewage-sludge/
Kinda of a new twist on just eat sh..t saying lol

[ldapkus]

Originally Posted by wwilson3

your are worried about lead? in your veggies, How about
http://www.nrdc.org/water/pollution/nspills.asp
http://truefoodnow.org/campaigns/sewage-sludge/
Kinda of a new twist on just eat sh..t saying lol

No I'm not worried at all. My garden does just fine.

[Wayne B. Wilson]

Me too i don't worry about it, After seeing some of the restaurants kitchens , Nothing can harm us lol

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Reminds me of the old saying, "That will put a little lead in your pencil"