Soil movement strategy
This needs to be undertaken before,  the mineral extraction phase at a quarry or other large development site:

A soil resources survey is undertaken to assess all available soils and soil froming materials. Drift materials may also be assessed as potential soil-forming materials if a shortage of soil exists.
A suitable soil handling schedule will be developed for the local Mineral Planning Authority (MPA) and will use the soil resources survey to facilitate the schedule for stripping of the topsoil (approx. 0.2 m) and the subsoil (approx 1.0 m if available).
An impact assessment utilises the same soil survey data and assesses the expected impact on the soil of all handling operations appropriate to the site in question.. Recommendations are made, in the light of the soils present, as to the particular mitigating measures needed during handling. The final restoration design is considered looking at opportunities for improving soil conditions in terms of soil quality.

Waste recycling to agricultural land
Spreading waste directly on land -Testing and nutrient balance assessments can be carried out together with the application of a Waste Management Licence Exemption as part of a soil survey. Plant bioassay research work can be undertaken to determine the beneficial properties of a compost or organic material to be used on land.

Soil Management Plan
An assessment of all soils on a farm is carried out to assess erosion risk, and risk from nutrient leaching etc., for the Single Payment Scheme.

For further information:visit the Soil Environment Services web site at: agricultural land soil survey page
Or download a PDF guide on Soil Amelioration, Improvement and Manufacture

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