If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Tip: A good rule of thumb when working with clay soils is to use roughly 1 cubic yard (0.8 cubic meters) of amendment material for every 100 square feet (9.3 m2) of ground. It’s okay to skip this step if you don’t plan on growing anything in the dirt you’re drying. The reagent is applied at a pre-determined dose rate (typically 2%- 5% depending on soil conditions), mixed into the soil and hydrated. If you have noticed that water tends to puddle on the ground rather than soak in, it is likely your ground consists of clay. First, remove as much of the waterlogged soil as possible from the roots of your plant. Mistake. [19] Clay dries out slowly, so it won't be an issue for the next day. Leading gardening charity in the U.K. providing resources for identifying, growing and caring for flowers and other plants Can you use quicklime in a muddy crawl space under a house, then remove the dry dirt to pour concrete? Operating an aerator machine is usually as easy as pushing it across your work surface like a lawn mower, but be sure to consult the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that you’re using the tool safely and effectively. If you’re in a hurry, however, a heavy application of a chemically-drying organic supplement like lime will also get the job done. If the soil is very wet throughout the year consider the European dogwoods and willows. Your organic amendments will offset this effect by boosting the overall nutrient content of the soil. By late summer the subsoil should be in good condition. Find out if the problem happens in small, separate patches or one large area. Move to the area with more light and you can also switch on a fan and direct it at the soil. Our technical experts are also available to help troubleshoot field issues, consult on dose rates and ensure you are using the right solution based on your job site requirements. Clay soil is defined as soil that comprised of very fine mineral particles and not much organic material. You’ll likely have fewer problems with moisture retention for a few weeks or months afterwards. Certain plants that favor acidic soil may have a hard time surviving in their new chemical environment. Then, take a walk around your yard right after a solid day of rain. So thanks for that! Waterlogging is more likely to be a problem on compacted and clay soils. The Spreader Truck then spreads product over problematic soil. This can help speed up soil compaction so you can get your job done quickly and on schedule. How to Use a Soil Drying Agent. As mentioned, proper exposure to sunlight and air is key to drying out soggy soil quickly. X You also have the option of using sand rather than gravel, provided you’re working with a non-clay soil type. Drying reagents, such as Quicklime, Lime Kiln Dust (LKD), and Calciment™ can be used to adjust the moisture and improve the workability of problematic soils. Ensure you are using right product for your specific project by contacting Mintek’s technical support team to understand your specific job site requirements. Time equals money and job site delays can result in higher production costs and lost opportunities. Go around the area you want to dry and pick up or relocate any rocks, brush, or other ground cover you find sitting on top of the dirt. Lime-based reagents will decrease the moisture in the soil and increase the optimum moisture content for better strength and compaction. To determine … And so, we find that rehydrating dry soils … To use a step aerator, place the prongs against the ground at a 90-degree angle and place your full weight on the head of the tool with one foot to plunge it into the dirt. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Dig-up-Tree-Roots-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Dig-up-Tree-Roots-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Dig-up-Tree-Roots-Step-1.jpg\/aid5957966-v4-728px-Dig-up-Tree-Roots-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"