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===Preserve areas of undisturbed soil and vegetation cover===
===Preserve areas of undisturbed soil and vegetation cover===
Stockpiling topsoil can damage the structure of the soil. This affects infiltration rate, microbiology and chemistry. The effects can be mitigated by [[Amended topsoil| amendment]] and care in its reuse. Soil compaction by heavy construction machinery is common on many development sites. This significantly reduces the infiltration capacity of the soils and must be minimized.<ref>http://trieca.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Soil-Mgmt-Guideline-Mar-28-2012.pdf</ref>
Stockpiling topsoil can damage the structure of the soil. This affects infiltration rate, microbiology and chemistry. The effects can be mitigated by [[Absorbent landscapes| amendment]] and care in its reuse. Soil compaction by heavy construction machinery is common on many development sites. This significantly reduces the infiltration capacity of the soils and must be minimized.<ref>http://trieca.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Soil-Mgmt-Guideline-Mar-28-2012.pdf</ref>
In some instances, the bulk density of construction-compacted soils is similar to values for impermeable surfaces.
In some instances, the bulk density of construction-compacted soils is similar to values for impermeable surfaces.
Native undisturbed soils have a structure that can take hundreds of years to develop. The structure is created by the growth and decay of plant roots and earthworm and insect activity. In addition to destroying the structure during topsoil stripping and stockpiling, biological activity in the soil is greatly diminished. The shallow-rooted turf of lawns and landscaped areas will not provide the same stormwater benefits as the agricultural and native vegetation it replaces.
Native undisturbed soils have a structure that can take hundreds of years to develop. The structure is created by the growth and decay of plant roots and earthworm and insect activity. In addition to destroying the structure during topsoil stripping and stockpiling, biological activity in the soil is greatly diminished. The shallow-rooted turf of lawns and landscaped areas will not provide the same stormwater benefits as the agricultural and native vegetation it replaces.