What is expansive soil and what type of soil does expansive soil belong to?

What is expansive soil

Today's small experience sharing: the type of soil expansive soil belongs to and its functions, as well as an introduction to what plants are suitable for planting in expansive soil. This is a very useful piece of knowledge, recommended for collection!

Expansive soil is also known as bentonite or swelling soil, which is a highly plastic clay. It is named as such because it can expand dramatically after absorbing water. It is extremely unstable in nature and poses a significant risk to buildings.

What type of soil does expansive soil belong to

Expansive soil is a special type of soil, characterized by "expanding when absorbing water and shrinking when losing water." Its main components are montmorillonite and illite, and it is usually in a hard state in natural conditions, with a relatively active nature.

The function of expansive soil

Expansive soil can be used as fertilizer for plants, but if used in construction, it can easily cause cracks and damage to buildings, leading to serious hazards such as collapse, landslides, and ground fissures.

The advantage of this type of soil is its high strength and low compressibility. It is relatively hard in its natural state, but the disadvantage is its instability, with a high affinity for water and swelling properties. Its volume can change significantly when it encounters water.

What plants are suitable for planting in expansive soil

Expansive soil can be used to plant orchids, green vines, azaleas, gardenias, and jasmines, among others. However, it is not recommended to use it alone and must be mixed with other types of soil. It contains humic acid components, and after proper modification, it can be used for a longer time.

The above is the detailed content about the functions of expansive soil, what type of soil it belongs to, and what plants are suitable for planting in expansive soil. I hope it can be helpful to you!