soil states tested: natural untreated, binder treated and regenerated
Soil Stabilisation Decommissioning
Furlong GS uses a testing-led decommissioning strategy for stabilised haul roads and temporary working areas, comparing the natural, treated and regenerated soil states so reinstatement works can be targeted, measurable and sustainable.
Temporary stabilised haul roads are designed to perform during construction, but the decommissioning stage needs equal care. Stabilisation can raise pH, reduce organic matter, change soil structure and reduce microbial activity.
Our approach starts by understanding the baseline soil condition before temporary works are installed. The same physical, chemical and biological indicators are then reviewed after stabilisation and again after regeneration, creating a clear target for reinstatement.
DECOMSTRAT is built around baseline testing, treated-soil comparison and measurable regeneration
soil states tested: natural untreated, binder treated and regenerated
TerraMap Gold parameters covering chemical, biological and physical condition
recorded natural pH range before cement treatment in the presentation data
elevated pH range after cement treatment, requiring remedial action
TerraMap scanning and Gold soil testing establish the state and functionality of the existing soil before temporary works are installed. The scan detects isotope variation and informs where wet chemistry samples should be collected.
Haul roads are installed after baseline assessment, then tested again once stabilised with hydrated lime and cement. This gives Furlong GS a before and after comparison before removal is considered.
The reinstatement plan covers pH, organic matter, bulk density, microbial populations, seed rates, plant species, nutrients and biological inoculants. It is issued as an ordered programme before reinstatement begins.
Physical inspection, visual soil assessment and post-treatment testing confirm whether the reinstatement is moving the soil back towards its original function.
TerraMap Gold, digital mapping, wet chemistry and biological analysis
The presentation makes the testing hierarchy clear: decommissioning requires the natural soil, binder-treated soil and regenerated soil to be assessed. That creates a like-for-like evidence base rather than relying on assumptions about how the temporary works affected the ground.
The presentation identifies pH, organic matter, microbial activity and soil structure as key limiting factors
The presentation data shows natural pH at 7.2-7.4 and cement treated pH elevated to 7.9-8.1. Because the increase is driven by calcium in the cement, the reinstatement plan must include pH re-balancing rather than just surface reinstatement.
The presentation notes organic matter reducing from 8.3 to 7.2 after cement stabilisation, alongside an increase in active carbon. Five weeks after remedial treatment, pH is shown moving back towards the original condition and organic matter increasing.
The presentation states that cement stabilisation caused a major decrease in microbial activity and changed C:N ratios. Without biological remedial work, soil functionality is compromised.
Field activity follows the testing evidence: compact, pulverise, re-balance, seed and monitor
Haul road track stabilisation uses the agreed binder design, with compaction validated for temporary works performance.
Use stabilisation mixing equipment to break down and restructure the treated material.
Apply targeted amendments to reduce elevated pH, restore nutrients and support organic matter.
Use soil conditioning biology, humic inputs and native microbial support where the test results require it.
Establish cover crops or wildflower planting and monitor root development, pH movement and soil function.
Field photos and treatment plan evidence from the presentation
Decommissioning decisions are guided by the soil's physical, chemical and biological condition, not by a fixed recipe. The presentation summarises the treatment types as chemical intervention, physical pulverisation, biological inoculants and organic planting, all targeted through TerraMap, Gold Standard Analysis and PLFA analysis.
Seed establishment is used to rebuild organic matter and microbial activity
The presentation records seeding on pulverised soil to introduce organic matter and reintroduce microbial activity. The seed mix included linseed, buckwheat, phacelia, radish, mustard, hairy vetch and clover.
Six weeks after seeding, the presentation shows established growth in the pH-balanced pulverised subsoil, with fully established root systems and increased organic matter.
The process supports temporary works across the full life cycle: baseline measurement, construction performance, responsible removal and regenerative reinstatement.
Pulverisation and restructuring help return treated material to a workable soil profile.
pH, nutrients, sulphur and humic inputs are managed according to soil test results.
Plant roots and biological inoculants help rebuild living soil function over time.
Cover crops and wildflower planting support organic matter, root systems and soil stability.
Speak to Furlong GS about testing-led decommissioning for stabilised haul roads, working platforms and temporary access routes.
