Blog

In mining, the decisions made before the first shovel hits the ground can determine the success or failure of an entire operation. Sediment sampling is one of the earliest steps taken in site assessment, but the real value doesn’t come from collecting samples. It comes from understanding what the data reveals. Explore how the mining industry uses sediment sampling data. Pre-Extraction Site Analysis Before physical extraction begins, mining operators rely on sediment sampling data to evalua …

Vapor moves differently underground than it does in the open air. It doesn’t rise in a straight line or follow a predictable path. Instead, it migrates through soil and various porous materials. Sometimes, vapor slips beneath buildings, and other times, it disperses before anyone notices it. This movement is known as vapor intrusion. While it might sound like a straightforward concept, the conditions that cause it, track it, and confirm it are anything but simple. Why is checking for vapor …

Soil science and environmental monitoring play big roles in making agricultural decisions. In situ testing and lab analysis serve very different purposes. Understanding the difference between these methods is essential when time, cost, and accuracy are on the line. Equipment and Sampling Tools In situ testing generally requires minimal equipment. Portable meters can provide immediate readings in the field, but reliable results often begin with collecting a representative soil sample. Our soil au …

If your fertilizer bill keeps growing while your yields remain stuck, the issue might not be your seed or equipment; it could be your soil. Poor soil management is one of the most common reasons crops underperform, especially when you make input decisions without solid data. Soil testing gives you real answers about what’s going on beneath the surface. It reveals not only what’s missing but also what might be present in the wrong amounts. Understanding how soil sampling helps farmers …

Horse owners know that quality forage is the foundation of good equine nutrition. But how can you truly understand what nutrients your hay provides? This brief overview of a hay analysis for horse feed can clear up confusion and help you make the most of the information a lab offers. A hay test gives you more than just numbers—it provides insight into how well your forage meets the daily requirements of your horses. Let’s explore the critical components in these reports and what they …

When you’re planning a construction project, it’s easy to get caught up in designs, permits, and materials. But long before you pour any concrete or begin framing, there’s something hiding just beneath the surface—literally—that could determine the future of the build. Soil might seem like the most ordinary part of a jobsite, but make the wrong assumptions about it, and the results can be dangerous, expensive, or even irreversible. Let’s take a closer look at …

Permeability is a familiar variable in geotechnical and environmental engineering, but its role in fluid storage behavior is often underestimated. Site assessments tend to focus on infiltration potential, flow rate, or drainage performance. What can be missed, though, is how permeability determines a soil’s ability to retain, transport, or restrict fluid movement across both vertical and lateral pathways. This oversight can lead to compromised designs, delayed remediation timelines, or inc …

Groundwater is one of the most important natural resources we rely on, yet it’s often out of sight and out of mind. At least half of the world’s population depends on groundwater for drinking water, and it plays a central role in agriculture and various industries. However, contamination is widespread. Once pollutants enter an aquifer, they can be difficult and expensive to remove. That’s why understanding the sources and consequences of contamination is essential. Here’s …

Sludge and sediment sampling is critical for environmental monitoring, regulatory compliance, and remediation planning. Inaccurate or inconsistent samples can distort test results, misguide project planning, or trigger legal repercussions. That’s why it’s essential to understand the full process before getting started. So, what are the stages of sludge and sediment sampling? Let’s walk through what to expect at each phase. Site Assessment and Planning Before selecting tools or …

Disturbed soil refers to ground that has been altered by weather events, construction, digging, or the use of sampling tools. Undisturbed soil, on the other hand, remains in its natural state: untouched, intact, and structurally consistent. Whether you’re planning for a new planting season, assessing a construction site, or sampling for contamination, recognizing the key differences between disturbed and undisturbed soil helps you make better decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and work more …