715.01 DESCRIPTION. Furnish and place topsoil on areas designated
on the plans or as directed. During the pre-planting phase, obtain the services of an established soil testing entity to coordinate soil sampling, perform testing and analyses, and prepare recommendations for materials and procedures to be used. When practicable, perform soil testing early enough to permit agricultural lime or other additives (if required) to be applied sufficiently in advance of planting so that the soil pH adjustment will occur before planting. Test and analyze samples to determine pH and fertility conditions. Use the test results and recommendations to determine the quantities of agricultural lime and fertilizer required for pre-planting applications. Provide a copy of the test report with recommendations to the engineer. Testing will be at no direct pay. When making agricultural lime recommendations, consider probable time of application.
715.02 Materials.
715.02.1 Topsoil: When available, the topsoil shall be the existing
surface soil stripped and stockpiled. When requiring additional topsoil beyond the available topsoil from the stripping operation, deliver topsoil and amend as recommended by soil tests. Provide soil tests prior to delivery of topsoil to the site. Determine the quantities and type of soil amendments required to meet local growing conditions for the seed species specified. Test delivered topsoil, existing soil in smooth graded areas, and stockpiled topsoil for particle size, pH, organic content, textural class, chemical composition, and soluble salts. Topsoil shall be free from slag, cinders, stones, lumps of soil, sticks, roots, trash, or other material over 11/2 inches diameter. Topsoil shall be free from viable plants and plant parts. Topsoil shall also be free from debris, noxious weeds, toxic substances, or other materials harmful to plant growth. Topsoil shall have a minimum PI of 4, a maximum PI of 12, a pH of 5.5 to 8.0, a minimum organic content of 2 percent, and shall be capable of supporting adequate vegetation.
715.02.2 Soil Amendments: Deliver soil amendments to be
blended with the topsoil to the site either in the original, unopened containers bearing the manufacturer’s chemical analysis or in bulk. Provide a chemical analysis for bulk deliveries. Existing topsoil meeting the above requirements within construction limits may be used in accordance with 106.02. If adding agricultural lime or organic matter to a soil to bring topsoil into conformance with these specifications, it shall be at no direct pay.
715.03 CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS. Scarify areas to receive
topsoil as directed. Uniformly spread topsoil over the areas to a depth of 6 inches and roll to a uniform surface with a culti-packer or other suitable equipment.
715.04 MEASUREMENT. Topsoil will be measured by the cubic yard
in approved hauling vehicles at the point of delivery in accordance with 109.01, which includes testing and the test report. Preparation of the areas to receive topsoil will not be measured for payment. Agricultural lime treatment of areas to receive topsoil will be measured in accordance with 718.04.2.
715.05 PAYMENT. Payment for topsoil will be made at the contract unit
price per cubic yard, which includes testing and test reports as well as all labor, materials, equipment, and incidentals necessary to complete the work. Payment will be made under: Item No. Pay Item Pay Unit 715-01 Topsoil Cubic Yard
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