 X |
 |
The composition of the soil in the mountains differs very much. Every few meters it changes from fertile earth into rocky soil.
Soil composition in the mountain areas of Kaski, Nepal (2009)
Research data
Start of research: September 2008
End of research: May 2009
Research costs: 1.000 euro
This research was conducted by Martijn Schildkamp, affiliated with Tribhuvan University in Kirtipur, Kathmandu. The report explains how to test soil samples for their suitability for earth construction. It also contains the test results of many samples that were taken in the mountains around Pokhara in Nepal. The manual can be downloaded here (4,3 Mb).
|
||
The composition of the soil in the mountains differs very much. Every few meters it changes from fertile earth into rocky soil. |
|
||
Therefore it is very important to have a clear idea of the different soil types. |
|
||
If the soil proves to have certain characteristics, we can make blocks like we did in India for the pre-school. |
|
||
By means of erosion and climatic influences over long periods of time, soil obtains its unique characteristics. |
|
||
No sample is alike, not even when two samples are found close to each other. |
|
||
The aim of the simple tests is to determine the ration of gravel, sand, silt and clay in the soil. |
|
||
When the proportions of these ingredients are within certain boundaries, the soil can be used for several earth construction techniques. |
|
||
In the mountainous areas of Pokhara in Nepal the soil is generally too fine to be suitable. In the city the results were slightly better, but here you find huge quantities of stones and rock in the soil. All results can be found in the manual. |
