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DocuSign Envelope ID: F52521E7-10C1-43F9-B62F-C1E599A5D572 <br /> Practice Standards and Specifications <br /> Soil tests will indicate the texture of the given soil but will not <br /> provide recommendations for amendments that will improve the soil <br /> texture. Generally, the addition of organic materials will improve the <br /> porosity of heavy clay soils and improve the water holding capacity of <br /> extremely sandy soils. On sites where these different soil conditions <br /> exist, it is recommended that a design professional with experience in <br /> soil modification be employed to recommend the proper amendments. <br /> For more information visit the NCDA Agronomic Services Soil Testing web <br /> page http://www.agr.state.nc.us/agronomic/sthome.htm <br /> SOIL PREPARATION <br /> Proper soil preparation is necessary for successful seed germination and root <br /> establishment. It is also necessary for establishment of rooted sprigs,sod and <br /> woody plants. Heavily compacted soils prevent air, nutrients and moisture <br /> from reaching roots thereby retarding or preventing plant growth. The success <br /> of site stabilization and reduction of future maintenance are dependent on an <br /> adequately prepared soil bed. Following are the requirements for preparation <br /> of areas to be vegetated by grassing, sprigging, sodding, and/or planting of <br /> woody plants: <br /> General Requirements: <br /> • Preparation for primary/permanent stabilization shall not begin until all <br /> construction and utility work within the preparation area is complete. <br /> However, it may be necessary to prepare for nurse crops prior to <br /> completion of construction and installation of utilities. <br /> • A North Carolina Department of Agriculture Soils Test (or equal) shall <br /> be obtained for all areas to be seeded, sprigged, sodded or planted. <br /> Recommended fertilizer and pH adjusting products shall be incorporated <br /> into the prepared areas and backfill material per the test. <br /> • All areas to be seeded or planted shall be tilled or ripped to a depth specified <br /> on the approved plans, construction sequence and/or construction bid <br /> list. Ripping consists of creating fissures in a criss-cross pattern over <br /> the entire surface area,utilizing an implement that will not glaze the side <br /> walls of the fissures. Site preparation that does not comply with these <br /> documents shall not be acceptable. The depth of soil preparation may <br /> be established as a range based on the approval of the reviewing state or <br /> local agency. Once tilled or ripped according to the approved plan, all <br /> areas are to be returned to the approved final grade. pH modifiers and/or <br /> other soil amendments specified in the soil tests can be added during the <br /> soil preparation procedure or as described below. <br /> • All stones larger than three(3)inches on any side,sticks,roots,and other <br /> extraneous materials that surface during the bed preparation shall be <br /> removed. <br /> Rev.5/08 6.11.3 <br />