Ground disturbance is a term used to describe when an individual digs or otherwise engages in activities that disturb soil or other unpaved areas. This includes things like digging foundations, constructing driveways, or even just walking on soil. The potential consequences of these activities can vary greatly depending on the location, type of ground, and size of the area being disturbed. However, almost all digging activities have the potential to create harmful conditions like excess moisture or soil compaction if they are not performed correctly. This article will explain the potential consequences of all types of ground disturbances and how to avoid them during your next construction project.
Excess Moisture
Excess moisture is one of the biggest consequences of unpaved soil. When soil is compacted or otherwise impacted, it can prevent water from naturally moving through the soil. If this happens, the soil will begin to hold onto that water and create an environment that is very conducive to microbial growth. This can cause excess bacteria, mold, and other harmful organisms to flourish in the soil.Excess moisture can also create issues within the plant root system. When soil is too wet, roots can become waterlogged and lose their ability to take in nutrients. This can cause the plant to eventually wilt or die. Excessive moisture can also lead to other issues like fungal infections or root diseases. Excess moisture is one of the most common consequences of unpaved soil. To avoid this issue, it is important to make sure you are incorporating proper drainage into your design. If you are digging up or otherwise disturbing unpaved soil, it is important to have an expert on site who can make sure it is properly drained if there is a risk of excess water.
Poor Drainage
Poor drainage can occur when you disturb unpaved soil. If the soil is too compacted, it might not allow water to move through it quickly enough. One way to combat this issue is to add organic matter to the soil. Organic matter such as compost, leaves, or straw can help improve drainage by improving the soil’s water-holding capacity. However, these materials need to be incorporated into the soil at the beginning of the project. If you are digging up unpaved soil, be sure to add compost to the top two to four inches of the soil. This will help improve drainage and decrease the amount of time it takes for water to leave the soil. If your project involves underground utilities, make sure to dig away from those lines. If you dig into unpaved soil, you could create a build-up of soil and roots that can block the flow of water and cause a build-up of excess water.
Soil Compaction
Soil compaction can occur when a large amount of weight is placed on the soil. This can happen when you are installing heavy machinery or when you are working on an area that has been impacted by heavy equipment. Heavy machinery can cause soil compaction by pressing down on the soil and removing air from the soil. This can cause the soil to become hard and dry out. Soil compaction is an issue that can occur when you are installing a septic system. Unpaved soil is generally not suitable for installing a septic system because it can become over-worked due to the digging and construction activities. If you are installing a septic system, be sure to dig down about four feet and backfill with soil from a nearby area that has not been impacted by construction activities.
Exposure to the Elements
When you disturb unpaved soil, you can expose it to the elements, which can have a negative effect on your project. This includes exposure to wind, rain, sun, and frost. If you are installing a septic system, you should be very careful about where you dig and how deep you dig. If you are building a foundation or other structure and you are trying to dig down into the ground, be sure to cover the soil with something to protect it from the elements. If you are building a driveway and you are digging up soil, be sure to protect it from rain and other elements. This can be done by covering the ground with tarps or by adding a layer of dirt over the soil. If you are digging into unpaved soil, be sure to use proper safety equipment and take proper precautions to protect yourself from the elements and any hazards that might be present.
Damaging the Environment
This one should not be a surprise to anyone who has ever read about unpaved soil. Disrupting the environment and damaging plants and wildlife is one of the biggest consequences of unpaved soil. Unpaved soil can trap wildlife, like rodents, and make it difficult for them to move around. It can also trap plants and prevent them from taking in enough water and nutrients to survive.To avoid this issue, be sure to leave as much unpaved soil undisturbed as possible. If you are building a home, be sure to leave large swaths of land undisturbed. This will allow wildlife and plants to move freely around the property without being trapped by construction activities. If you are building a road or other transportation infrastructure, be sure to leave large spaces undisturbed so animals and plants can move freely.
Conclusion
Ground disturbance is a common issue that can occur when you are working on a construction site. While there are many ways that you can handle ground disturbances, it is important to be cautious when you are working with unpaved soil. This type of soil is generally more prone to harmful consequences like excess water, soil compaction, and exposure to the elements.If you are working on a construction site, you need to be sure to take precautions to avoid harming the environment and damaging your project. There are a few things you can do to help protect your project and the environment.