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Jun 7th, 2026
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 39
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 39 |
I read in a previous article that to much clay in the soil caused cracking. I also read that gray clay is the best because it compacts and holds water the best. The clay I have has started to crack on the top for about 3" in depth. If I'm adding more dirt to the dam, should I plow the top layer and repack before I add the dirt or will the new dirt fill in the gaps and provide a seal. I am thinking about buying a water pump and saturated the ground every couple of days until the dam is built to prevent cracking. Any suggestions?
Wesley
Dallas, GA
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,355 Likes: 118
Editor, Pond Boss Magazine Lunker
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Editor, Pond Boss Magazine Lunker
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,355 Likes: 118 |
Too much clay can cause cracking. Clay expands and contracts with moisture, or lack of it. Soil scientists, dam builders and earthmovers will tell you to have 30-40% clay content in a dam. Less than that, soils tend to leak. More than that, cracking becomes a problem. So, mix your soils accordingly.
Teach a man to grow fish...
He can teach to catch fish...
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