roots provides guidance on the site investigation necessary to determine the suitability and constraints of site conditions for revegetation...

roots identifies the specific site attributes and soil properties relevant to the investigation of individual site types. The program is applicable to a wide range of mineral workings, together with landfill sites but can be applied to all types of land.

The software includes a stand alone guidance document to facilitate the collection and collation of site data. This proforma contains approximately 100 items including the Mineral Planning Authority, national grid reference, site type, altitude, rainfall, exposure, proximity of occupied property, etc.

The guidance includes an explanation of why each factor is important, the method of determination and the reporting units. For convenience, factors are grouped according to whether information will be obtained through desktop, site walkover (including trial pit excavation) or laboratory analysis with the user being able to produce hard copies of each of these documents. These can then be used as a basis for site investigation briefs.

roots facilitates the rapid input of information obtained from site investigation. The aim is to characterise the site and most options are based on range rather than absolute values, usually three to five pre-determined choices being provided. Detailed guidance on completing the report is offered with, where appropriate, hyperlinks to relevant websites. Agencies at a country level are identified where responsibility has been devolved. A facility enables users to confirm data sources as a means of providing quality assurance and an automatic warning system alerts the user to invalid entries.

The software allows the user to create up to 6 sub-sites within a single site based on factors that are likely to dictate alternative approaches to revegetation. Differences in existing vegetation, site attributes and soil properties are taken into account. This ensures that intrinsic differences within a site are recognised in the development of reclamation schemes, that equipment is deployed appropriately and safely and costs are controlled.

A combination of walkover survey and intrusive investigation provides the necessary detailed information. The survey records the presence of shafts, gas venting and buried or overhead services and assesses drainage provision, ground stability, vegetation cover, signs of failure, etc. The intrusive investigation includes field based descriptions of soil physical properties supported by detailed laboratory analysis of relevant soil chemical properties.

roots interprets the information provided to generate a Constraints Report. This contains a detailed explanation of each problem, its severity and its effects on plant survival and growth, along with identification of possible exceptions. The information presented is specific and the occurrence of constraints as they apply to individual sub-sites is highlighted.

This means reports are genuinely bespoke and can be used to support submissions to planning authorities and grant awarding bodies, or as an aide me moiré throughout the design process.