Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Sand also varies in mineral content. Sand containing quartz is quarried and is often called
hard sand because it resists breakdown and is long lasting, perhaps 10 years in an arena. In
contrast, sand containing feldspar and mica breaks down relatively quickly. Manufactured
sand (fine-crushed rock) is not as hard as quartz sand.
Cheap sand has a high silt and clay content, which is referred to as fines. Fines are just
that, fine particles (those particles below 0.1-millimeter diameter). Clay and silt particles
that are 0.001- to 0.005-millimeter in diameter are responsible for dust, so should not make
up more than 5 percent of the mixture. Some construction-grade sand contains 50 percent
or more fines. Fines create dust and tend to pack, which inhibits drainage. Sand can also
contain small gravel or stones. Screened sand has had the larger particles removed so that
uniform pieces remain, which makes the sand less prone to compaction. Cleaned sand or
washed sand means that the silt and clay have been removed.
Washed concrete sand and mason's sand are terms usually associated with medium-
coarse, very clean sand (less than 2 percent fines) that usually costs $1 to $3 per ton more
than construction-grade sand. Aim for clean, screened, medium-coarse, hard, sharp sand.
Because a horse sinks deep in sand when working, using sand alone, particularly if it is
deeper than 6 inches, could stress tendons; start with a few inches and add gradually until
you achieve the appropriate depth. It will take 244 cubic yards, or more than 350 tons, of
sand to provide a 4-inch cover in a 100-foot by 200-foot arena.
Decomposed granite. Native decomposed granite is granite rock that has been ground
into small angular granite particles by glacial activity and may contain a small amount of
clay silt. Granite is a very hard natural igneous rock formation with a visibly crystalline
texture and high quartz content.
Mechanically produced decomposed granite will be similar in structure to the native
product, but the amount of silt that it contains can be regulated to meet the use require-
ments. Decomposed granite can be ideal footing.
Stone dust. Also called screenings, bluestone, rock dust, limestone screenings, or white
stone, stone dust can give better traction than some sands. Minimize dust in the air by
choosing a stone dust that has been screened or graded to a single medium to coarse size.
This will also mean it won't compact easily. If the existing footing is too deep (for example,
sand), some can be hauled away or stone dust can be added to the footing to firm it up. Add
a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency, but never use more than a total of
10 percent stone dust. As the name suggests, stone dust can introduce a dust problem un-
less the product has been carefully selected.
Wood products. National manufacturers use local sources of wood to produce various
shredded and shaved wood footings. Wood products add organic materials that usually
increase moisture-holding capacity and add cushion to keep footing alive and springy.
However, wood products will vary greatly by location. They tend to break down quickly
when dry, because they shatter and easily become small wood particles that lead to dust.
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