Soil amendments

Background

Soil health can influence the ability of rainwater to penetrate the soil, thereby preventing excess runoff, sedimentation, erosion and flooding. Soil also helps to clean, store and recharge groundwater. By storing water and slowing the delivery of water to plants and supplying nutrients, soils play a significant role in vegetation health.

Soil amendments are any elements added to the soil, such as compost, peat moss or fertilizer, that improve the capacity of soil to support plant life. While fertilizer improves soil by adding nutrients only, amendments such as compost also improve soil by making its texture or drainage more conducive to plant health.

Requirements and certification

Organic soil amendments, when used, shall be incorporated into the top 6 inches of existing soil per the manufacturer’s installation recommendations.

Program tip

Area to receive credit is calculated based on a percentage of the turf grass area only. Soil amendments are most effective in the turf areas of the landscape.

The Inspector will confirm this practice with documentation from the applicant of the purchase of the soil amendment and, if possible, photo-documentation of the installation.