Is this soil any good?

StrangeRanger · May 19, 2008

Can't really find a "soil forum" so I'll ask you guys. I don't know diddly about soil so I'm a wondering... I had a huge excavator up last year and he dredged out parts of my pond. So these huge piles of "dirt" and stuff have been sitting out since last fall. Do you think that soil has any value if I screen it and get out all the dead plant matter and rocks? I've got a LOT of areas that could use some soil fill, would this stuff grow grass you think? Thanks,
j

AndyinIowa · May 19, 2008

Here's my recommendation:

1. Contact your local extension service (yellow book or internet is a great asset)

2. Request to talk with their person that conducts soil sampling

3. Follow their instructions to get samples tested.

Although the soil mechanical propoerties may be ideal, the nutrient makeup, pH, etc... may not be supportive of your plans.

You can also do a test plot. Create a 10x10 bed with the soil and plant a few representative types of plants. Plant the same plants in a separate area of known soil origins. Compare results...

My neighbor brought in tons of topsoil that eventually had to be stripped off and replaced due to chemical issues in the soil. The soil was from a waterway that was reshaped.

IowaAndy

crabjoe · May 19, 2008

Unless it's contaminated with something, it'll grow grass. Just add some compost to it, put down some starter fertilizer and seed.

You should see the just in my yard and the grass grew. Then it died off becasue the roots couldn't get past the rocks in my yard. There's rocks everywhere, and that's the reason I bought my tractor.

dangerdoc · May 19, 2008

StrangeRanger said:
Can't really find a "soil forum" so I'll ask you guys. I don't know diddly about soil so I'm a wondering... I had a huge excavator up last year and he dredged out parts of my pond. So these huge piles of "dirt" and stuff have been sitting out since last fall. Do you think that soil has any value if I screen it and get out all the dead plant matter and rocks? I've got a LOT of areas that could use some soil fill, would this stuff grow grass you think? Thanks,
j

It's hard to say what ends up at the bottom of a pond. It could be too sandy or be mostly clay. At a minimum, it would be good for fill, a couple of inches of black dirt on top and grass should grow. Most subdivisions are 100% clay with an inch or two of black dirt on top. Not good for a garden but it should green up okay.

If you need deep plantable soil, mixing in 50/50 free compost from the nearest horse boarding facility is a good start but may be a little hot. Your county extension office should be helpful for more specific advice.