Plastic sandy loam: soil characteristics and varieties where they are used

Plastic sandy loam is a loose soil, which is dominated by sandy or dusty fragments. In this case, the composition may contain pelitic, clayey or silty particles in the amount of 3-10%. Sandy loam has a less plastic texture than loam. This substance differs in areas of application. It can be used in construction and agriculture.

What is it, where and how is it mined

Sandy loam is a type of rock that has a high degree of friability. According to this characteristic, the soil resembles sand.By definition, sandy loam soils always or almost always have distinct layers that are demarcated from the rest of the rock. This type of soil layers and rocks is quite common and is distinguished by type marking, which is rigidly fixed in GOST.

Special quarries are considered the source of most of the sandy loam. If a relatively small amount of a substance is required, it can even be obtained on a construction site. During mining, it is necessary to separate the extracted mass from organic matter and large stones. Light sandy loam has a higher cost compared to the heavy type. This is due to the compliance of the material with higher technical requirements.

In addition to quarries, trenches and pits are used. This is mainly done in situations where a large volume of production is not needed. Builders often refer to sandy loam as excavated sand.

Deposits of sandy loam are found in almost all regions of Russia and other countries. They mostly differ in size. The maximum concentration of deposits in Russia is observed in the European part of Russia and in Western Siberia.

What is different from loam

Sandy and loamy soils have certain differences. The composition of the loam contains much more clay particles. Their concentration reaches 50%. As a result, water filtration is much more complicated - it stagnates much more.

Increasing the content of clay leads to an increase in the density of the material. As a result, there is an increase in its bearing capacity. At the same time, sandy loam soil is characterized by high filtration capabilities.

With regard to low density and looseness, it is quite possible to solve the problem. With proper compaction, the material will have almost the same load-bearing properties as loam. When moistened, its properties will deteriorate slightly. Another plus is the lower tendency of sandy loam to frost heaving.

Agricultural experts have long established that loamy soil is considered a more fertile substrate than sandy loamy soil.

Properties and varieties

Sandy loam is the least plastic variety among all clay soils, since it contains most of the sand and fewer clay fragments. Its plasticity parameters are 1-7. At the same time, porosity reaches 0.5-0.7, which affects the ability to contain less moisture compared to other clay soils.

On average, the density of sandy loam in natural occurrence is 1600-1750 kilograms per 1 cubic meter. The strength characteristics of clay soils, including sandy loam, are primarily due to the adhesion between their fragments and soil density.Cohesive forces increase as the volume of the clay component increases. But as moisture accumulates, these bonds decrease. As a result, the strength of soils changes.

Moisture affects soil consistency. It indicates the level of its resistance in the natural state under the influence of the load.

Sandy loam is divided into several varieties - solid, plastic and fluid. In dry form, the substance is a quality base. It is even classified as a conditionally non-porous category.

In the classification used by geologists and builders, silty sandy loam occupies a special place. The light variety of soil includes 3-6% clay, heavy - 6-10%.

Where is it used?

The use of plastic sandy loam is justified in various fields. It is mainly used in construction and gardening.

In construction

This is one of the most widespread use of sandy loam rocks. It should be borne in mind that plastic sandy loam cannot be used for important work. Of particular importance is the percentage of clay content, since swelling and frost heaving are very dangerous.

Builders prefer to use sandy loam to level and raise areas. Also, the substance is suitable for backfilling the foundation.

The sandy loam layer can be used as a base for a lawn or vegetable garden. This base is suitable for laying blanks for paving slabs and asph alt.The main problem of the breed is that it does not provide waterproofing. This causes difficulties when the groundwater table is high.

Sometimes sandy loam is used in such situations:

• development of foundations for a dirt road;
• creating embankments;
• filling roadsides.

In gardening and landscaping

Sandy loamy soil is perfect for arranging any lawn or flower bed. It is permissible to use it for filling under plantings. Also, the substance is suitable for filling a trench or pit. The material is also used in the following situations:

• reclamation;
• de-icing;
• arrangement of the lower part of the path in the garden.

The use of sandy loam for reclamation is due to the fact that this material has an affordable price and is a good substrate for fertile soil. When peat is added, such a substrate itself transforms into a plant substrate.

Fertilizer Methods

Such soil is considered not very fertile. To compensate for the deficiency of useful elements, soil mixture is used instead of ordinary sandy loam. As an additive, it is permissible to use vegetable humus. Sometimes garden and sod soil or black earth is used instead.

Lamellar sandy loam is a unique material that has found wide application in construction and agriculture. This is due to the special properties of the substance.

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