What type of soil test involves bored holes in a proposed system site?

The soil percolation test is specifically designed to assess the rate at which water moves through soil, which is crucial for the design and placement of septic systems. During this test, holes are bored into the proposed site to allow for observation of how quickly water infiltrates into the soil. The results of this test help determine the soil's ability to absorb and treat wastewater, ensuring that septic systems function effectively and do not contaminate groundwater or surface water.

A soil moisture test generally measures the amount of water present in the soil but does not involve boring holes into the ground for drainage study. Soil nutrient analysis evaluates the chemical composition and nutrient content of the soil but does not require physical alteration of the soil through boring. Soil texture assessment involves analyzing the proportion of different soil particles (sand, silt, clay) but relies on sampling rather than boring holes, as it focuses on the physical makeup of the soil rather than its drainage capacity. Thus, the percolation test is the appropriate method when checking the suitability of a soil for an onsite sewage system, as it involves the boreholes to observe infiltration properties directly.