SELECTING THE SOIL

Most soil, when reasonably free from vegetable matter, will make good compressed blocks and tiles. Select soil on your site which requires the least amount of digging to meet this requirement. The soil from foundation or basement excavations will be suitable.

1. Fill a straight-sided glass jar about one-third full of selected soil.

2. Add water to fill jar about two-thirds full.

3. Cover jar and shake vigorously until all the contents are in suspension.

4. Allow soil to settle until you can see the various particle-size divisions (About 30 minutes)

Although nearly any soil will make suitable block, one should attempt to use that which will produce the best finished product. This is achieved by using soil having particle-sizes ranging from very fine to fairly course. The course particles should not amount to less than one-third nor more than two-thirds of the jars total contents. The only soil which is really not suitable, is that which consists of a single particle size. However, it is usually possible to add sand to alter the composition in order to make your soil suitable.