when i dug up my garden this past year,what was the orange soil that i found?

Question

i was thinking it was probably clay

i live in michigan,and at one point i tried to sift it out from the dirt using water,to see if it was clay,but it didnt stick together like playdough,so it was probably sand

Answer 1

99% sure it's clay soil. Not too good for gardening. Remedy Below


Improving Clay Soils Dump on the organic
http://www.taunton.com/finegardening/how-to/articles/improving-clay-soils.aspx
matter, work it in over time, then leave well enough alone
Gypsum Helps Recondition Clay And Hardpan Type Soils
http://www.humeseeds.com/gypsum.htm

Answer 2

If you think it is clay, it is probably clay (walks like a duck? :) ) . The red clay found in the southeastern US is geologically old and weathered clay. The Vidalia onions, produced in southern Georgia, are mild and sweet because this type of clay is low in Sulphur. Sulphur (and excess nitrogen) make onions hot, or pungent.
If you have alot of organic matter in your garden, you can get harmless slime molds growing on the organic matter. Some of these are bright orange.

Answer 3

Sounds like clay - it can be many different colours....how to test is roll some between your hands and if it sticks together (like playdough), then, it's clay.

Answer 4

another possibility is construction sand. Many older homes and businesses were built on top of a foundation of an orangish type of sand. Then after building topsoil was put over the sand about a foot or so deep. I know this happened a lot in California. Is there or was there a street, parking lot or driveway nearby? They also used this sand under roadways and such.

Answer 5

Clay. In Georgia we proudly call it Georgia red clay.

Answer 6

Take a sample of the orange substance to a garden shop and ask them for advice.

I am sure a horticulturist will be able to advise you what it is and how to best deal with it.

cheers
M

Answer 7

Yup - sounds like clay to me.

Answer 8

of course it was clay

Answer 9

sand