[Cob] stabilised cob foundations (hold the earthbags)

[Dirtcheapbuilder-Charmaine]

On Aug 15, 2007, at 9:22 AM, Robert Alcock wrote:


What percentage of lime do the experts recommend for that "fully
stabilized soil", by the way?



as little as 1-2% by volume of lime to soil can do the job, but as high 
as 8%  is used.  I till in hydrated lime all aound muddy path areas, 
and it does the job. then I cver with bark or shredded sawdust and lay 
dow a step stone and no more mowing.. horray!!!

HOEVER  I just learned something today.. the evil pernicious Curly Dock 
weed  LOVES lime in the soil... I did a whole back area meaning to put 
down a deck of salvaged wood, but got delayed, and in ONE MONTH the 
curly dock  is 3'-4'  TALL-  no kidding -- and full of seeds.. it took 
over so fast that I cannot see the blocks laid for footers anymore.  so 
if you want to GROW stuff..add hydrated lime!!

tilling it in very well is key, and  even if it is stabilizes, and get 
very wet-- it will wick up to the cob resting on it I believe, so a 
barrier might be a good idea in case of long rainy seasons .


Charmaine Taylor Publishing
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PO BOX 375   CUTTEN CA 95534  USA
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