Low Impact Development Manual for Michigan - OSEH - University ...

• Major compaction – Deep compaction, contact
pressure and axle load > 20 tons can compact up to
two-feet deep (usually large areas are compacted
to increase strength for paving and foundation
with overlap to “lawn” areas). Soil restoration
activities can include: deep tillage, organic matter
amendment, and native landscaping.
To evaluate the level of compaction in soils, bulk
density field tests are conducted. Table 7.15 shows the
ideal bulk densities for various textures of soils.
Amending media
Compacted soil can be amended by first tilling the soil,
breaking apart the compaction, and then applying various
soil media. For minor soil compaction, six inches
of soil media (18.5 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet of
soil) should be applied, and then tilled into the existing
soil up to eight inches. For major soil compaction, 10
inches of soil media (31 cubic yards per 1,000 square
feet of soil) should be applied and then tilled into the
existing soil up to 20 inches.
Soil media used for amendment may be comprised of
either organic or inorganic material. Organic media can
increase soil organic matter content, which improves
soil aeration, water infiltration, water and nutrient holding
capacity, and is an important energy source for
bacteria, fungi, and earthworms.
Table 7.15
Bulk Densities for Soil Textures
Soil Texture
Ideal Bulk densities,
g/cm 3
Bulk densities that may afffect
root growth,
g/cm 3
Bulk densities that restrict
root growth, g/cm 3
Sands, loamy sands