> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.range-mate.co.uk/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.range-mate.co.uk/for-club-admins/reach-compliance/soil-and-water-monitoring.md).

# Soil & Water Monitoring

Lead becomes more mobile — and more likely to reach water — at the wrong soil pH. The **Soil & water** tab of the range's compliance hub records your sampling and gives **pH-aware** advice.

## Recording a sample

The form is designed to be used **on your phone, standing at the sample point**:

1. Click **Record a sample** and choose **soil** or **water**.
2. Mark **where** it was taken — tap **Use my location** to drop the pin by GPS, or drag the pin on the map. Add a few words so you can find the spot again. The grid reference is worked out for you.
3. Enter the **pH** if you measured it — the −/+ buttons step in 0.1s from neutral.
4. Say what's happening about **lead**:
   * **Not this time** — a pH-only sample is fine.
   * **I have a reading now** — enter the mg/kg from your field kit or analyser.
   * **Sample is going to a lab** — save now and the sample is kept as **awaiting results**.

{% hint style="info" %}
Lead concentration usually comes from a UKAS-accredited lab days or weeks after you take the sample — that's why the form lets you record the sample first and the result later. Pending samples show on the sampling history and in **What needs doing** on the Overview tab until you click **Add results**.
{% endhint %}

## Reading the pH guidance

The panel reads your most recent pH and gives advice that **branches** — because the usual "test and add lime" rule is harmful at high pH:

| Soil pH     | Guidance                                                                                                                     |
| ----------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Below 6** | Acidic — lead is mobile. Apply lime to raise pH and immobilise lead.                                                         |
| **6 – 8**   | In the target range. Maintain conditions and keep monitoring; no liming needed.                                              |
| **Above 8** | **Do not add lime** — at high pH liming can *increase* lead mobility. Use phosphate amendments and vegetative cover instead. |

{% hint style="danger" %}
Adding lime to alkaline soil (above \~pH 8) can make things worse by mobilising lead. Always follow the guidance for the band you're actually in, rather than liming by default.
{% endhint %}

## Setting a sampling schedule

Click **Set a schedule** to tell Range Mate how often this range should be sampled.

* **Standard** sites: at least every 12 months.
* **Heavily wooded** sites: tick "Heavily wooded" and the default drops to every 6 months.

The **Next sample due** card shows when sampling is due and flags it as **Overdue** once the schedule has passed (or immediately if you've never sampled). Overdue sampling also appears in **What needs doing** on the hub's Overview tab.

{% hint style="info" %}
Take samples at multiple points across the affected area rather than relying on a single reading. All your samples are kept in the history and included in the [evidence pack](/for-club-admins/reach-compliance/dashboard-and-evidence-pack.md).
{% endhint %}