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Is it possible to source clay from sandy loam?

Kimberly Agnese

pioneer

Posts: 111

Location: Fresno Ca Zone 9b

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posted 1 year ago

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Hi:)
I love the idea and look of cob structures and clay ponds plus, lol they seem so definitively permie. Buuut is this kind of thing even possible for someone like me who lives in an arid area with sandy loam? I enjoy our little wildlife ponds made with ( muttering in embarrassment ) plastic liner.
But would love to make natural ones.. Anyway…

“Only when the last tree has been cut down, the last fish been caught , and the last stream poisoned, will we realize we can’t eat money. “

Anne Miller

steward

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Location: USDA Zone 8a

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posted 1 year ago

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Dear hubby found a 5' x 5' area of clay on our property by doing a soil test like this:

https://permies.com/t/181652/Cob-soil-test-composition

I am not sure if there are ways to give clues to where clay is.

Hopefully, someone with knowledge will speak up.

Also some folks purchase clay. It can be bought online or at pottery type stores.

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Kimberly Agnese

pioneer

Posts: 111

Location: Fresno Ca Zone 9b

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posted 1 year ago

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Thank you:)

“Only when the last tree has been cut down, the last fish been caught , and the last stream poisoned, will we realize we can’t eat money. “

Kyle Hayward

pollinator

Posts: 187

Location: Oh-Hi-Oh to New Mexico (soon)

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It is my understanding that if you can get some water to stay in your pond then the secret to sealing it waterproof is DUCKS...er, their droppings actually. It is so fine it seals all the small spaces betwixt and between the sands and clays.

Cristobal Cristo

Posts: 641

Location: Sierra Nevada foothills, 350 m, USDA 8b, sunset zone 7

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Kimberly,

In theory you could extract it from the loam by doing jar separation, but instead of a jar you would have to use large tubs. It would be a lot of work. Sometimes digging deeper will reveal soil with higher clay contents. And last but not least - you can buy clay at Rosenbalm Rockery..

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