Query
In a project, the top soil is found to be lacking some nutrients and is declared infertile by the landscape architect. The testing agency has provided a report with the composition of the soil but they do not provide a certificate stating that the soil is found to be infertile. Can a letter from the landscape architect be submitted to ensure non-applicability for criterion 03 (GRIHA Version 3)?
Solution
No. A letter from the landscape architect alone is not sufficient to claim non applicability for this criterion. The letter must be accompanied by the soil test report from an Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) - accredited laboratory mentioning the nutrient values of the top soil (please refer attached table for reference values). The non-applicability can be claimed only if the top soil is found to be infertile and cannot be made fertile by adding manure etc.
