Soggy Ground What Attachment

[Big Bri]

I've got a lot that i want to start to build up, its about an 1.5 arce's. My problem is that about half the lot is always soggy. the soggy area in not a low spot, and it doesn't have standing water, but when you run the tractor over that spot it leaves ruts, and water will squirt from the tires. the dirt is dark dark black, and sticky. i want to scrape the top couple of inches so i can add clay but it so soft that i'd hate to build up on top of it.
any idea on how to dry this area up?
Thanks for the help
Brian

 

[whistlepig]

A French drain or tile it is the only ways I know.

 

[beenthere]

Would agree with whistlepig, and you have to get that water drained away.
Don't understand how you say it isn't a low spot, but stays wet. ??

 

[Big Bri]

Would agree with whistlepig, and you have to get that water drained away.
Don't understand how you say it isn't a low spot, but stays wet. ??

there is no standing water and if you walk on the ground its soft but your shoes won't get wet but if you drive something heavy like a tractor over that spot water will come out of the ground.

i've heard of french drains but don't know what they are will try to find something on google on them
thanks
brian

 

[kebo]

Could there be a natural artesian well underneath this soggy spot? Or, perhaps there is a busted waterline nearby that is seeping water up through that particular area??

 

[beenthere]

Different designs called a French drain, but for a yard, it might be a trench dug between the wet soil spot and a lower area to drain to. Then the trench may (or may not) have a drain tile in it, but also plenty of washed gravel stone that water will pass through to lower ground. Cover back with 2-3' of dirt.

 

[Just Bill]

Hey Brian
I have seen that kind of dirt around here.
The more you drive on it the softer it will get.
Some call it Black Gumbo and it does do well if you rip it open and start adding sand and mixing it . The dirt won't release the water without the sand
and it will stay soft even up into the summer. A little less rain would be nice too, Iv'e had plenty.

 

[jenkinsph]

The black mud is from lots of decayed vegetation over time. I agree with adding sand to firm it up, I would add a layer of sand and till it in six inches deep in the spring. Ask your local agricultural agent if adding lime will help. I wonder if subsoiling will help this drain or allow the water to rise making it worse. At any rate that black mud sure seals off the ground preventing drainage.

 

[Big Bri]

Hey Brian
I have seen that kind of dirt around here.
The more you drive on it the softer it will get.
Some call it Black Gumbo and it does do well if you rip it open and start adding sand and mixing it . The dirt won't release the water without the sand
and it will stay soft even up into the summer. A little less rain would be nice too, Iv'e had plenty.

Bill
Thanks for the reply. The man across the street called it gumbo mud and told me the best thing i could do would be dig it out and add clay. . . I think I'm going to try your sand trick first. Do you think using a sub soiler to break up the ground and then use the box blade to drag and mix it all up will do? and do you think river silt will work or do think i need "clean" sand like used for cement?
thanks for the help
Brian

 

[Big Bri]

The black mud is from lots of decayed vegetation over time. I agree with adding sand to firm it up, I would add a layer of sand and till it in six inches deep in the spring. Ask your local agricultural agent if adding lime will help. I wonder if subsoiling will help this drain or allow the water to rise making it worse. At any rate that black mud sure seals off the ground preventing drainage.

Steve,
looks like you and i were thinking the same thing at the same time. thanks for the help.
Brian