A soil test is required prior to permanent stabilization on a site with a disturbed area greater than?

A soil test is an essential step in the process of achieving permanent stabilization on a site because it provides critical information about the soil's nutrient content, pH level, and overall health. In Maryland, regulations specify that a soil test is required for disturbed areas exceeding five acres. This requirement helps ensure that appropriate corrective measures can be implemented to achieve optimal soil conditions for vegetation establishment, thus promoting effective erosion and sediment control.

For areas less than this threshold, a soil test may not be mandated, although best management practices are still encouraged. The regulation emphasizes the importance of understanding the soil characteristics to appropriately select and apply stabilization practices, thereby reducing potential erosion and sedimentation issues in larger, disturbed areas.