[USCC] Soil texture analysis lab procedure

[Tamara Thomas]

Craig,
	There is an engineering test - Atterberg Limits that analyzes for
the behavior of the soil based on clay content.  It provides an empirical
result that relates to the plasticity of the clay fines.  You could try
that, but I couldn't guess whether the LA would accept those results or not.
You could at least make the argument.  Any engineering soils lab can do the
testing for you.

Tamara Thomas, P.E.
Terre-SourceLLC
Helping Compost Happen!
360-336-3536 Office
360-336-3530 FAX
425-844-6068 Field
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Coker [mailto:craigcoker at cox.net] 
Sent: Saturday, June 30, 2007 8:57 AM
To: 'Compost Discussion List'
Subject: [USCC] Soil texture analysis lab procedure

Colleagues:

 

Can anyone recommend soil texture testing procedures other than the
Bouyoucos Hydrometer method?  A client of mine is making up manufactured
specialty soils from their compost plus rock fines from a nearby quarry.
Apparently, this texture analysis procedure is giving false readings on Clay
content in the manufactured soil sample due to the turbidity of the water
(the finest of the rock fines) in the hydrometer, which is causing the soil
mix to not meet the landscape architect's spec of no more than 5% clay
content.

 

Many thanks!

Craig

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Craig Coker

Coker Composting & Consulting

3331 Glade Creek Blvd.  Ste. 7

Roanoke, VA  24012

(540) 904-2698  Fax: (540) 904-6732

Cell: (540) 874-5168

 <mailto:craigcoker at cox.net> craigcoker at cox.net

 <http://www.cokercompost.com> www.cokercompost.com

 

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