KLICAPP
KLICAPP does not act on behalf of the Kadaster

11-05-2023

Digging in clay soil

Digging in clay soil? Soil is constantly changing in the Netherlands due to various influences. For example, the weather has a great influence on the soil, but animals also cause change. Soil consists of several layers, a mixture of several soil types.

In the Netherlands there are different types of soil.

Peat soil

This is often a wet type of soil that holds water well, so the water does not sink. It is spongy and black in color. So keep this in mind when digging.

Sandy soil

Sandy soil is the type of soil that does not retain water. When you dig a pit in sandy soil, the water does not stay in the pit but sinks into the ground. This sand is granular and light-colored, the soil is not heavy to dig in.

Loess

This is a type of soil between sand and clay. The water sinks away reasonably well and it is not very heavy soil to dig into.

Sulphur

Sulphur soil is a soil type found throughout the Netherlands. The sulfur soil is very suitable for burial, the water is well let through and it is easy to work with because it has a low clay content.

Clay soil

This soil consists of hard clods, this can be very heavy to dig in. Especially during wet periods and weather conditions, this soil is difficult to work. It holds water well and the wet parts stick together. It holds water well and therefore, again, it may be wise to install drainage.

Tips for digging in clay soil

Clay soil is one of the most difficult types of soil to work with. Because it holds water so well, it is wise to install drainage when digging in clay soil.

To loosen the soil, digging is a common method. Do this with a spade or a digging fork. Read the tips below to avoid a backache.

In addition, find some more general tips on digging safely.

Tips for digging

Digging is very intensive for your body, pay attention to your posture to avoid back pain. Below are four tips for safe digging.

  1. Take a spade or digging fork with the right length and a sharp blade.
  2. Choose the right spade or digging fork for the type of soil. For light soil, a short and wide spade is best. For heavy soil a long and narrow spade is most suitable.
  3. Hold the spade or spading fork at a slight angle so you don't go too deep into the ground.
  4. Before you start digging mechanically, you are obliged to make a Klic report. So request this well in advance, just to be sure. This prevents digging damage to cables and pipes.