• Introduction – what is soil?
- Importance of soil for tree prosperity o How many soil types are there, what properties do they have and where are they?
• What is urban soil
- What are urban soils made of? What makes them different.
- What constraints to they pose on trees
- Compaction – what is this and how important is it
- Contamination - what is this and how important is it
- Soils and tree rooting
- Implications for soil provision and irrigation
- Trees and subsidence related to soil type
• Soil evaluation and measurement
- Field properties and how to explore them (Outdoor session)
- Chemical parameters, including commentary on field kits and laboratory services
- Physical parameters
- Biological parameters
• Soil manufacture
- How to do it - specifications
- How to source materials
- Special types of arboricultural soil: Amsterdam soil, Stockholm soil, CU soil
- Importance of correct soil placement
• Soil problems and how to solve them
- Soil waterlogging
- Soil drought
- Soil compaction. Role of Terralift / air spading
- Soil infertility
- Soil acidity
- Role(s) for common/well publicised additives, e.g. Biochar, sugar injections, polyacrylamide gels, mulches, fertilisers
• Health & safety
- Risks to health
- Protective clothing and PPE
- Handling soil and digging holes correctly
- Indemnity insurance issues
• Sources of information on soil
- BGS website
- UK Soil Observatory (soil portal)
- Soil consultancies and soil science accreditation
- Laboratories and accreditation
• Summing up
Facilities/Equipment required
- Boots, outdoor clothing for all weathers
Course Materials provided
- Copies of lectures / presentations
- Comprehensive list of further information, sources of help and advice arranged by topic
- Web links to authoritative further information
- Notepad
- Pen
Certification
Arboricultural Association attendance certificate (CPD Points: 6)
Lunch and refreshments will be provided
None