Abstract: This invention provides a method to preferentially fracture soil at a specific location to form a substantially single and continuous fracture that can cover a large area. Subsequently, a fluid material can be injected into the fracture that will solidify to form a subsurface layer of material in soil that is substantially single and continuous and with controlled thickness and in controlled locations. The process creates a layer of material in soil with minimal cost for material and installation. Many different materials can be injected to provide a wide variety of purposes and characteristics. The resulting material layer can also be tied into other structures (walls, etc.). Such material layers can be used as barriers for the control of contaminants, but they can also be used to retain moisture and nutrients in soil, or to filter, collect, or disperse other materials.