The revised British Standard 3882:2007 was launched on November 26 2007. It replaces BS3882:1994 and specifies requirements for topsoils that are moved or traded.

It describes variations to the main requirements relevant to specialist applications and gives requirements for the use and handling of topsoil.

The Grade system from the 1994 version of the standard is replaced by 2 new categories: ‘Multipurpose’ and ‘Specific Purpose’ topsoil. Specific purpose topsoil comprises topsoils with characteristics appropriate for specialist applications, e.g. supporting the growth of certain plants or plant communities.

Consideration of manufactured topsoil is brought up to date and given equal standing with natural topsoil in the new Standard.

The industry is being encouraged to use MCERTS accredited laboratories for topsoil testing to the new Standard to ensure that only the highest quality analytical data is produced.

NRM Ltd has carried out topsoil analysis for many years and currently analyses to the 1994 specifications, as well as providing a detailed report based on the results. We also hold UKAS accreditation to ISO 17025:2005 as well as being an MCERTS accredited facility.

The new Standard requires extra analyses to be carried out as well as amended methodology and NRM are able to provide customers with the new requirements. A new Report is also being developed to support the analytical data.

If you would like to know more about the NRM Topsoil analytical service please contact the Customer Operations Department on 01344 886338.