Organic content to NOT achieve compaction 1

[H20guy]

I am developing a specification for a soil amendment (compost) to be added to a soil so that it cannot achieve compaction. I am creating a zone where infiltration can be maximized. The intended outcome is a buffer surrounding a property so that infiltration is maximized to reduce the need to address runoff from a respective site.

I am trying to develop this standard method for a 200 sq mile area that can be applied to sites with relatively clean sands that typically compact over time reducing infiltration capacity (low lying coastal plain area). I am trying to achieve 100% retention of a design storm in the soil matrix. There are certain open space requirements where these areas can be integrated into the site design.

Conceptually, I am looking for a specification like: .5' of compost placed on top of the finished (grade less .2') and tilled into the soil to a depth of 1.5'. This will secure the infiltration character of the soil and will inhibit the development of the area as the soils cannot be load bearing. Easements and so on will be placed on the area as institutional controls. Further, routine mowing and lawn care maintenance should not compact the soils over time. A re-inspection and verification procedure will also be put in place.

Your thoughts and input are appreciated.

 

[Ron]

First of, it will take a lot of organics to make sand "uncompactable". When you do that, you will decrease your permeability, not increase it. Once the organic materials have imbibed sufficient water to expand, they will obstruct the flow of water into or out of the material, not enhance it.

If you want to retain a design storm on site, design an exfiltration system that allows water movement and allows structures to be placed on top. Those two actions are not incompatible.

If you want to restrict building on top of a retention facility, then do so by land deed restriction or covenant, not be adulterating the soil to attempt to make it unusable.

 

[fattdad]

what ron said.

f-d

¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!