Soil Conference To Offer Practical Help

Soil conference to offer practical help – Soilscon 2016 took place on Wednesday 5^th October 2016 in Henley on Thames.  Organised by Tim O’Hare, the conference had an impressive line-up of speakers and presentations.  This was a must-attend event for landscape contractors, landscape architects, developers, engineers and housebuilders.

The conference focused on common soil problems and mistakes made across the industry. Seven well-respected industry experts provided delegates with up to date knowledge on a wide range of soil-related issues.

Soil Conference offers practical help – Soil Compaction

Tim O’Hare looked at problems caused by soil compaction. Its an issue on most construction sites that has a big impact on site landscaping.  He looked at soil management practices and equipment. He also looked at methods of topsoil stripping, storage and reinstatement; soil depths and tree pits.

Tree Root And Soil Systems

Then, Luke Fay, Senior Arboricultural Consultant explained how trees interact with soil for water, nutrients and stability.  He also explored root growth and architecture and the impact of soil damage on the above-ground parts of a tree.

Designing With Soils

Later, Andy Sturgeon, award winning garden designer drew on his experience to explain the importance of soil types when it comes to planting designs.

Understanding Manufactured Topsoil

Then, Andy Spetch from British Sugar Topsoil discussed the process of manufacturing sustainable topsoils.  He looked at the importance of using certified topsoil and the issues that can arise when soils don’t meet the required project specification.

Contaminated Land – clean cover systems

Finally, Richard Brinkworth from Leap Environmental explained what a cover system is and how poor engineering can lead to unserviceable gardens on brownfield development sites.

Wildflower grasslands – A Soil Scientist’s Perspective

Tim White from Tim O’Hare Associates introduced the main types of semi-natural wildflower grasslands and the soil properties associated with them.  He then considered the options for soil management to help create new grasslands as well as the need to match plant species to soil types.

Maintaining The Landscape From The Roots Up

Alistair Bayford from The Landscape Group used case studies to make the case for considering landscape maintenance at the planning and design stage of a project.