Science · Soils
Expansive Clay
Clay-rich material with appreciable swelling when wet and shrinkage when dry.
Mineralogical behavior class
Profile
- Mineralogy
- Often associated with smectitic clay
- Movement
- Seasonal volume change can damage structures
- Cracks
- Open cracks cause preferential infiltration
- Testing
- Confirm expansion potential with appropriate tests
Water & soil targets
- Moisture (VWC)
- Site-calibrated; measure field capacity and dry-down
- Salinity tolerance
- Not determined by this label; measure EC and relevant ions
- Drought tolerance
- Depends on usable storage, rooting depth and vegetation
Measure retention, infiltration and layer depths in place. Texture or construction labels do not define a universal irrigation threshold.
Problems to watch
- Heave
- Desiccation cracking
- Wet plastic deformation
Stress signs
- Uneven grades
- Wide cracks
- Rutting
Where you'll find it
- Foundation-adjacent landscape planning
- Moisture management assessment
More soils
All Science profilesGeneral agronomic guidance and typical ranges; actual targets vary by site, soil, climate and season.