Cob: RE: where to get clay and straw

[Rick Fisk]

I thought that I didn't have much clay either. I have more than I can
use probably upon further investigation.

It's possible that the builder took much of the clay away from your home
site. However, I've noticed that on my property I can generally find a
good bit of clay by digging where I've noticed water to collect for an
unusual amount time after a rain. I've found a good amount of clay by
digging in those places.

Generally, I've found I have to go a couple of feet down at least and
the clay is underneath the rock layer.

If you just don't find any clay, you might be able to drum up cheap
sources to import it. From what I understand, unless you live on a
geologically new volcanic island, clay is everywhere. I have heard that
you can even get donated clay soils if you approach new construction
sites where they are trying to get rid of the clay soil in order to
prevent the foundations from sitting in water.

Hope this helps you and good luck building.

Rick


-----Original Message-----
From: owner-coblist at deatech.com [mailto:owner-coblist at deatech.com] On
Behalf Of Theodore Schluenderfritz
Sent: Saturday, April 13, 2002 10:38 AM
To: coblist at deatech.com
Subject: Cob: where to get clay and straw

gonna start on a small cob project this spring,

tested my soil and it looks like it doesn't have any clay...mostly silt.

any ideas where to get clay and straw?

(sorry to be such a city kid, but that's what I am...Milk comes from the

grocery store...what's a cow?)

Thanks,
Ted