Abstract: An apparatus for in-situ remediation of contaminated soil or sludge having a trenching tool and an injection system for applying remediation agent to the contaminated material during in situ communication. The remediation agent is injected into the contaminated material by the injection system preferably having a plurality of injection nozzles positioned along the length of the trenching tool. The treated material is backfilled or deposited directly into the trench excavated by trenching tool thereby obviating the need for off-site disposal. The constituent remediation agents in the remediation agent may be adjusted to adapt to varying site conditions and contaminants. The remediation agent may also be heated to accomplish volatile stripping of the contaminated material or to activate microbial agents in a low temperature environment.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing soil and aggregate for structural purposes including the step of mixing with water: (a) a soil aggregate base material; (b) a stabilization composition comprising: (i) an alkali metal silicate or other suitable gel precursor, and (ii) optionally a cation; and (c) a minimum amount of 1% of cement based on the weight of the resulting mixture, whereby sufficient water is added to the resulting mixture to hydrate the cement and thereby provide a stabilized soil aggregate matrix suitable for use in a structure.

Abstract: A method of strengthening and improving the load-bearing capacity of soft clay-containing subterranean soil comprising advancing a soil processing tool into said subterranean soil to break said soil into discrete particles; while advancing said soil processing tool into said soil, introducing an aqueous composition consisting essentially of water and a clay dispersant in an amount sufficient to disperse said discrete particles and make water from said clay available for hydration of subsequently added cement; when the soil processing tool has reached its desired depth, withdrawing same and simultaneously adding during said withdrawal a cementitious composition comprising water and a cement in a water-to-cement weight ratio of 0.4 to 1:1 and in an amount which provides a weight ratio of the total water of said aqueous dispersant containing composition, said clay soil and said cementitious composition to said cement of about 4 to 6:1; and allowing said mixture to harden.

Abstract: A method of plugging holes, in particular the plugging of drill holes in the earth. The method utilizes a tubular capsule filled with coarse ground sodium bentonite. The capsule, when inserted into the hole, sinks through any mud or slurry material within the hole to rest at the bottom of the hole. If the hole is filled with overly dense material, a rod may be used to force the capsules to the bottom of the hole. The capsule is constructed of a water soluble material and includes a plurality of slots cut along its exterior wall to facilitate expansion and to allow liquid to easily permeate the container. A plastic cap on its upper end allows rods to be forced thereagainst to push the capsule downward without puncturing the capsule. Alternatively, layers of sand may be interspersed with layers of bentonite nodules.

Abstract: A waterglass-based material containing an inorganic component A of an alkali metal silicate having a low viscosity and a high silica content and a component B having at least one fast hardening agent, preferably carbonic esters, and a hardening retarder of at least one further hardening agent which acts more slowly, preferably dialkyl carboxylates, in particular dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate and/or dimethyl adipate. The material may also contain optional further additives, such as liquefiers, thixotropic agents, lubricants and fillers and the like. Processes for hardening a waterglass-based material and use of such a material for sealing pipelines, sewers and containers, for soil stabilization, coating and impregnation of materials and for the production of shaped articles are also indicated.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the degradation of persistent contaminants in soil. The method provides the combination of a stabilizing reagent and a degradative reagent where both are admixed into a contaminated soil site for the reduction of permeability at the site and the chemical degradation of the contaminant over time.

Abstract: Underground rock cracks are blocked by using a slurry of blocking agent containing hectorite raw materials in an amount of 1 to 10 wt %, which comprises an acidic precipitate of water glass and magnesium chloride, sodium hydroxide, and lithium hydroxide and water, through the steps of injecting the slurry, allowing the slurry to flow into the cracks produced in rocks, and allowing hectorite synthesized from the raw materials contained in the slurry to gel under high temperature conditions of underground.

Abstract: Compositions of precipitated anionic polymers containing mixtures of cationic organic salts and kosmotropic salts as well as processes for making and using the same to condition soil are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for absorbing organic, ecologically stressed pollutants (1) such as oil, tar and phenols on grounds (12), rubble or solid disposal site surfaces which are floating on or in waters of a disposal site with liquid and/or sludge phases and/or solid sediments. This object is achieved in that in the invention fly ash (3) and/or cement-activated fly ash of large surface and evincing the structure of a hollow sphere, especially fly ash from lignite-powder fired boilers, is brought into contact with the pollutant, in that fly ash and pollutant are activated with water (5), being mixed into a pollutant-immobilized mixture (6) and being used in consolidating manner.

Abstract: Soil adjacent to an elongated furrow is irrigated by flowing the water from a header into and along the furrow, and erosion of the furrow is reduced and infiltration into the soil is increased by dissolving solid flocculant in the header or in the furrow into the water. The solid flocculant is best provided as a block of particulate flocculant bonded by a water-soluble wax. The irrigation process is best conducted on a cyclic basis with the solid flocculant being removed from the header or furrow during the cycle and with the supply of water being continued so that there is subsequent run-off of water from the furrow.

Abstract: A product for forming a stable resilient surface layer which comprises a particulate aggregate having particles of a plurality of sizes and including fiber strands and a selected amount of water-absorbent, water-activated adhesive particles having a swell volume when absorbing water in a range of 25% to 45%. When subjected to sufficient water the water-absorbent particles swell and bind the aggregate and fiber strands forming a high shear strength, flexible resilient layer.

Abstract: A system and method for injecting liquid/solid mixtures into porous pulse media, such as earth, is disclosed. A two-tank arrangement where liquid only is stored and run through a main pump, while a liquid/solid slurry is stored and moved to join the liquid under pressure by a chemical injector pump is shown. Finally, a displacement wheel commands solenoid valves, for pulsing the pressured liquid, through a distance measuring device such as a laser interacting with a laser target operatively coupled to a ground traveling wheel.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of activated charcoal granule compositions which, when dry spread and "watered-in" to a site, reduces undesirable biological activity of deleterious organic compounds. When wet, these granules disperse very rapidly with a large dispersion area to original granule diameter ratio. The granules have high loadings of charcoal, i.e., from about 60 to about 95 weight percent and contain from about 5 to about 40 weight percent of a surfactant system which exhibits excellent dispersing; rewetting; and binding properties.

Abstract: A method of improving ground soil irrigation by employing an additive or amendment in the form of an improved synthetic solution grade calcium sulfate dihydrate composition. This composition is formulated by contacting a calcium compound having a calcium cation with a chemical agent enabling the calcium compound to yield calcium ions upon reaction with the chemical agent and which enables the calcium cation to react with an anion of the chemical agent forming a second calcium compound. The second calcium compound is reacted with a sulfur containing acid, such as sulfuric acid, to thereby form a calcium sulfate dihydrate. The compound has improved suspension characteristics and will remain in suspension for a much longer period of time than a conventional solution grade calcium sulfate dihydrate.

Abstract: In a process of preventing liquefaction of the structure foundation ground, the ground where the structure weight is supposed to produce distribution of relatively large stress in the event of earthquakes is reinforced with a Iron-Lime stabilized soil that is highly resistant to water and is able to connect hard and soft portions in a well balanced manner, thereby forming a buffer layer against impacts to improve safety of the pile foundation and prevent liquefaction of the foundation ground. To this end, the depth at which the load stress due to a structure to be constructed is equal to the bearing capacity of the existing ground is determined, the equivalent depth converted from the aforesaid depth on an assumption that the modulus of deformation is 21,000 kgf/cm.sup.2 is determined, and a refilled portion of the structure underground corresponding to the equivalent depth is formed as a stabilized layer comprising natural soil iron oxide and lime.

Abstract: A cannon (10) for applying synthetic roving materials (12) comprises feeder means (20) for receiving and delivering a plurality of strands of synthetic roving material; a barrel assembly (21) having a discharge opening (46) at one end (42); air chamber assembly (22) interposed between feeder means and the barrel assembly providing air under pressure, the roving material being directed therethrough to combine with the air, whereby the air and the roving material are forcibly expelled from the barrel assembly; a fluid housing (23) around the feeder means and carrying a volume of fluid (93); and means (24) for directing and controlling the passage of the fluid from the fluid housing into the feeder means into contact with the roving material as it passes therethrough.

Abstract: A method of remediating soil contaminated with inorganic and organic pollutants as disclosed. A method comprises treating the soil with a complexing agent capable of chelating the pollutants and a matrix-generating agent for authigenically generating within the soil an alumino-silicate colloid matrix. The matrix has a plurality of reactive sites, which are capable of physically and chemically altering the pollutants into innocuous forms. The matrix-generating material comprises a mixture of a cement, blast furnace slag, fly ash, organophilic clay, and a free radical generator.

Abstract: A material intended to form grounds, layers or sublayers of terrains or of carriageways.It contains an ungraded granulated material such as sand or pulverulent materials of industrial origin to which bundles of glass filaments are added in a proportion from 0.01 to 0.1%.

Abstract: A process for microbial remediation of soil polluted with a pollutant by introducing into the polluted soil a decomposing microorganism, a nutrient and/or an inducer necessary for the expression of a decomposing activity in the microorganism, wherein a coefficient of permeability of the polluted soil is controlled to be small and uniform so that the introduced substance may be uniformly distributed over a soil area to be remedied. Also a process for treating soil which comprises a step of controlling the coefficient of permeability of the soil so that a peak at the substantially smallest coefficient of permeability may comprise the largest percentage in the distribution of coefficient of permeability.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a soil or ground quality stabilizer comprising a mixture formed by mixing a burned sewage sludge ash the main contents of which are CaO, SiO.sub.2 and Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 with a lime of calcium hydroxide to reduce hydraulicity and a fine Fe oxides mixture powder byproduced in steel production the main content of which is iron oxide. The soil or ground quality stabilizer is added into a pavement material containing crushed stones, natural soil, etc. to improve the strength and viscoelasticity of the natural soil and can give a desired CBR strength to the soil having an increased moisture content. The preferable adding ratio of the fine Fe oxides mixture powder into the mixture of the burned sewage sludge ash and the lime of calcium hydroxide is within the range of 15-35 weight %.

Abstract: A method of plugging holes, in particular the plugging of drill holes in the earth. The method utilizes a tubular capsule filled with coarse ground sodium bentonite. The capsule, when inserted into the hole, sinks through any mud or slurry material within the hole to rest at the bottom of the hole. If the hole is filled with overly dense material, a rod may be used to force the capsules to the bottom of the hole. The capsule is constructed of a water soluble material and includes a plurality of slots cut along its exterior wall to facilitate expansion and to allow liquid to easily permeate the container. A plastic cap on its upper end allows rods to be forced thereagainst to push the capsule downward without puncturing the capsule. Alternatively, layers of sand may be interspersed with layers of bentonite nodules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the in situ treatment of soil, sludge, and the like for purposes of remediation, solidification, stabilization, and/or enhancement thereof involves the use of a machine including a mobile carrier and a mixing apparatus mounted thereon for cutting through and mixing strata of an area which is to be treated. The mixing apparatus includes a boom having disposed thereon an endless cutting assembly which is moveable along a looped path, the cutting assembly including a plurality of teeth which convey material downwardly and mix it with underlying material which is to be treated. The cutting assembly is vertically moveable for positioning at a desired depth in the sludge or other material which is to be treated.

Abstract: Contaminated material such as soil or sludge is remediated by injecting a suitable remediation fluid into the material during excavation of the contaminated material with a trenching tool. The remediation fluid is injected into the contaminated material through an injection means, preferably a plurality of injection nozzles positioned along the length of the trenching tool. The thusly treated material is backfilled or deposited directly into the trench excavated by trenching tool thereby obviating the need for off-site disposal. The constituent remediation agents in the remediation fluid may be adjusted to adapt to varying site conditions and contaminants. The remediation fluid may also be heated to accomplish volatile stripping of the contaminated material or to activate microbial agents in a low temperature environment.

Abstract: A soil decontamination method uses a drilling rod having an outer pipe with a closed lower end and a radially extending outlet nozzle near the lower end. The outer pipe has an outer surface which is free of structures so that the outer pipe moves smoothly in a hole. An inner pipe is co-axially positioned in the outer pipe, the inner pipe having a lower closed end with a radially extending nozzle which is co-axial with, and spaced inwardly from the nozzle of the outer pipe. A drill bit is on an outer surface of a lower end of the outer pipe. A hole is drilled into a layer of soil using the bit.

Abstract: A process for sealing soil formations, wherein a mineral sealing layer of a cohesive soil with the addition of powdery silicate of sodium is applied and mechanically compacted, and wherein: (a) firstly a homogenous mixture is prepared from a cohesive soil having a water in the wet area of the Proctor curve, with the addition of a powdery, aluminate-free soft gel-forming agent; (b) when the soft gel-forming agent has dissolved in the groundwater, powdery silicate of sodium is incorporated in homogeneously; and (c) finally the mixture is mechanically compacted.

Abstract: A process for in situ treatment of a contaminated subsurface zone of the earth containing volatile liquid or semisolid organic contaminants, semivolatile liquid or semisolid organic contaminants and/or nonvolatile organic contaminants in liquid, semisolid and/or solidified form which comprises treating said contaminants with an oxidant such as hydrogen peroxide and conducting vacuum extraction to remove volatilized contaminants, volatilized oxidation products of contaminants and/or liquid oxidation products of contaminants. The oxidant application may be made in a contaminated subsurface vadose zone, a contaminated subsurface capillary fringe or beneath the surface of a contaminated water table. Vacuum extraction may be conducted in the contaminated zone itself or, in the vadose zone directly above the contaminated capillary fringe or the contaminated water table and may be utilized, e.g., to withdraw water containing oxidation products of contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various methods, such as an above-ground method and an in-ground method, of using a palladized iron bimetallic system for the dechlorination of chlorinated organic compounds from various effluents or contaminated soil containing the same. The use of palladized iron bimetallic system results in the dechlorination of the chlorinated organic compound into environmentally safe reaction products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for in-situ treatment of soil and groundwater contaminated with organic pollutants. The process involves defining the nature and extent of the contamination; determining the hydrology and geology of the contaminated area; determining the volume and concentration of a reactive solution required to effect treatment of the contaminated area; injecting the reactive solution into one or more injectors that are inserted into the ground, sealed and positioned so as to assure flow of the reactive solution through the contaminated area; allowing the reactive solution to flow through the contaminated area thereby reacting chemically with the contaminants contained within the contaminated area; and determining when the treatment is complete by monitoring by-products of the chemical reaction. Preferably, the reactive solution is an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and metallic salts.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method and device to treat and remediate contaminated soils and sludges and, in particular, relates to a treatment unit which is transportable, quickly mobilized, and capable of remediating large quantities of waste by exothermic stabilization processes such as the calcium oxide based DCR process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stimulating in-situ microbial biodegradation of halogenated organic compounds in an aqueous subsurface environment comprising the delivery of hydrogen, in the absence of nutritional factors, into the subsurface environment.

Abstract: The remediation of heterogeneous subsurfaces is extremely time consuming and expensive with current and developing technologies. Although such technologies can adequately remove contaminants in the high hydraulic conductivity, coarse-grained sediments, they cannot access the contaminated low hydraulic conductivity fine-grained sediments. The slow bleed of contaminants from the fine-grained sediments is the primary reason why subsurface remediation is so time-consuming and expensive. This invention addresses the problem of remediating contaminated fine-grained sediments. It is intended that, in the future, a heterogeneous site be treated by a hybrid process that first remediates the high hydraulic conductivity, coarse-grained sediments, to be followed by the process, described in this invention, to treat the contaminated low hydraulic conductivity fine-grained sediments.

Abstract: A method of improving ground soil irrigation by employing an additive or amendment in the form of an improved synthetic solution grade calcium sulfate dihydrate composition. This composition is formulated by contacting a calcium compound having a calcium cation with a chemical agent enabling the calcium compound to yield calcium ions upon reaction with the chemical agent and which enables the calcium cation to react with an anion of the chemical agent forming a second calcium compound. The second calcium compound is reacted with a sulfur containing acid, such as sulfuric acid, to thereby form a calcium sulfate dihydrate. The compound has improved suspension characteristics and will remain in suspension for a much longer period of time than a conventional solution grade calcium sulfate dihydrate.

Abstract: The reinforcement of soil to prevent erosion or strength loss, for example n berms and embankments, involves the addition of fibers having an adhesive coating to the soil. Both natural and synthetic fibers may be used. Degradable or non-degradable adhesives may be employed with a preferred adhesive being one which is moderately soluble in water.

Abstract: An artificial soil structure includes at least one hydrophobic layer of hydrophobic particles provided in a soil. A particle size of the hydrophobic particles can be 2000 micrometers and less. The hydrophobic particles are sand and/or dirt treated with a water-repellent agent or hydrophobic particles having a high molecular weight polymer. An artificial water-retentive soil structure includes a soil block containing a water-retentive agent and a hydrophobic layer of hydrophobic particles provided on the soil block. A method of preventing land desertification includes the steps of placing a hydrophobic layer of hydrophobic particles in a soil at a prescribed depth from the earth surface and controlling the water content in said soil.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of treating lead bearing process materials and lead toxic hazardous wastes. The invention relates to treatment methods employed to chemically convert leachable lead in lead bearing solid and liquid waste materials to a non-leachable form by mixing the material with lime, gypsum and/or phosphoric acid. The solid and liquid waste materials include contaminated sludges, slurries, soils, wastewaters, spent carbon, sand, wire chips, plastic fluff, cracked battery casings, bird and buck shots and tetraethyl lead contaminated organic peat and muck. The present invention discloses a process comprising a single step mixing of one or more treatment additives, and a process comprising a two step mixing wherein the sequence of performing the steps may be reversible. The present invention provides a new way of treating a universe of lead contaminated materials at any pH.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for treating porous media such as subsurface storage tanks or excavations therefore to form primary or secondary permeability barriers. A treatment fluid comprising a polymerizable monomer, a diluent therefor, and a strong acid catalyst mixed with steam is injected into a volume to be treated and contacted with the interior surface thereof. Contact is maintained for a duration sufficient to cause polymerization to occur forming an impermeable barrier in or on the interior surface of the treated volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to a treatment method for urban waste incineration residues in a finely divided form, in which the residues to be treated are homogenized and their composition is subjected to a chemical analysis. Then, the residues are mixed with water and a reagent containing active alumina in proportions determined in relation to the chemical analysis of the residues, in order to generate complex aluminates, whereas active alumina is in excess.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for reducing or eliminating non-naturally occurring, subsurface, liquid contaminants from one or more soil formations, which involves the steps of pneumatically fracturing the soil formation to produce a fracture network; simultaneously or subsequently inserting into said fracture network and throughout adjacent portions of the soil formation, a pressurized gas stream, and introducing into the pressurized gas stream a mixture of one or more liquid amendments, wherein said pressurized gas, in conjunction with said liquid amendments, has an oxygen or other electron acceptor content sufficient to promote the growth of aerobic or other microorganisms in said fracture network, and wherein the pressurized gas has a sufficiently high gas to liquid ratio to atomize the liquid amendments, whereby the amendments are distributed throughout the soil formation.

Abstract: A process to decontaminate soil containing a chlorinated phenol compound. Water is added to the soil to produce a solution of the chlorinated phenol compound containing at most about 2% by weight of the compound. Ozone is then passed through the solution to decompose the chlorinated phenol compound. The invention is of particular application in decontaminating soil containing chlorophenols, dibenzo-p-dioxins and chlorinated dibenzofurans.

Abstract: A suspension-type grouting liquid for injection into a ground includes sodium aluminate having a mol ratio of 10 or more; and slag, wherein the mol ratio of sodium aluminate is defined as molar concentration of Na.sub.2 O/molar concentration of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3. Preferably, the slag is fine grained and has a specific surface area of 8000 cm.sup.2 /g or more. The grouting liquid may further include at least one additional material selected from the group consisting of cement and dispersant. Preferably the cement is fine grained and has a specific surface area of 8000 cm.sup.2 /g or more. The grouting liquid shows high strength of consolidation in use in spite of having a low viscosity and a long gelation time, and shows a long duration of the strength of consolidation. Another embodiment of the grouting liquid includes water glass having a mol ratio of 2.5 or less; and slag, wherein the mol ratio of the water glass is defined as molar concentration of SiO.sub.2 /molar concentration of Na.sub.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for in-situ treatment of soil and groundwater contaminated with organic pollutants. The process involves defining the nature and extent of the contamination; determining the hydrology and geology of the contaminated area; determining the volume and concentration of a reactive solution required to effect treatment of the contaminated area; injecting the reactive solution into one or more injectors that are inserted into the ground, sealed and positioned so as to assure flow of the reactive solution through the contaminated area; allowing the reactive solution to flow through the contaminated area thereby reacting chemically with the contaminants contained within the contaminated area; and determining when the treatment is complete by monitoring by-products of the chemical reaction. Preferably, the reactive solution is an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and metallic salts.

Abstract: A soil barrier to prevent the spread of harmful substances in the soil or ground water based on humic substances precipitated in the soil and a process for its creation.

Abstract: A method for remediating a hydrocarbon-contaminated region of a subterranean body of groundwater to destroy or reduce the initial concentration levels of hydrocarbon contaminants. A plurality of mutually spaced wells are provided which intersect the groundwater region. A treating flow of acetic acid is provided from one or more of the wells into the groundwater region, to establish acidic conditions. A turbulent flow of an aqueous solution of ferrous ion into the groundwater region is generated for mixing with the acidified groundwater, thereby providing a catalyst for disassociation of hydrogen peroxide. A treating flow of hydrogen peroxide solution from one or more of the wells into the groundwater region is then provided, so that the hydrogen peroxide may undergo a Fenton-like reaction in the presence of the acidic conditions and ferrous ion to generate hydroxyl free radicals for oxidizing the contaminants. An apparatus system for practicing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a continuous product stream of lime slurry to a job site which is located remote from a permanent lime production plant utilizes a primary and auxiliary tank which are mounted on a portable frame structure. Lime and water are mixed in the primary tank to form a lime slurry. The lime slurry is then introduced into the auxiliary tank. A product stream of lime slurry is drawn from the primary tank until it is depleted. Lime slurry is then drawn from the auxiliary tank to supply a continuous stream of lime slurry to the job site while the primary tank is being refilled with lime and water to form a second lime slurry. The second lime slurry is then introduced into the auxiliary tank so that it is filled again and a second product stream of lime slurry is drawn from the primary tank. The process is repeated until a desired amount of lime slurry is supplied to the job site.

Abstract: A new method for sealing off a mass of waste which comprises surrounding the mass of waste, stabilized waste or its placement side with a least one substantially continuous layer of porous material, the layer defining a substantially continuous, waste-encompassing interface, and providing a sufficient amount of an interactive reagent on either side of the interface for the reagent upon placement to diffuse towards each other and to form a precipitate filling the pores of the porous material substantially along the interface thereby forming a waste-encompassing layer of reduced permeability. The special benefit of this method is that after a rupture of the seal the interactive reagents form a new seal, thus preventing loss of noxious substances through the rupture.

Abstract: Utilizing exhaust materials from various plants and industrial wastes containing CaO, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, SiO.sub.2 and Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 as major components, inexpensive ground-strengthening/soil-improving material is obtained by blending thereinto clay minerals and sintering the resultant mixture. A high unconfined compressive strength is conferred upon the ground-strengthening/soil-improving material upon the addition of alumina.

Abstract: Apparatus for metered blending of contaminated soil or sludge materials with dry powder and liquid chemicals to stabilize the contaminated materials. A vibratory screen separates the material to a desired size for processing. The screened material enters a bin and is conveyed therein to a discharge end where an adjustable gate meters the materials into a mixing chamber. At the discharge end, dry and liquid chemicals are separately metered into the mixing chamber wherein the material and chemicals are thoroughly mixed and from which the blended materials are discharged. An attachment may be provided which allows flail chains to process wet clay soils by breaking the wet clay clods into sizes which can pass through the vibratory screen means.

Abstract: An artificial soil structure includes at least one hydrophobic layer of hydrophobic particles provided in a soil. A particle size of the hydrophobic particles can be 2000 micrometers and less. The hydrophobic particles are sand and/or dirt treated with a water-repellent agent or hydrophobic particles having a high molecular weight polymer. An artificial water-retentive soil structure includes a soil block containing a water-retentive agent and a hydrophobic layer of hydrophobic particles provided on the soil block. A method of preventing land desertification includes the steps of placing a hydrophobic layer of hydrophobic particles in a soil at a prescribed depth from the earth surface and controlling the water content in said soil.

Abstract: A soil substitute material includes from about 2 to about 9 parts by weight of crushed brick; from about 5 to about 25 parts by weight of a filler material; from about 60 to about 90 parts by weight of raw clay; and, from about 0 to about 3 parts by weight of a hydrating material. The material is compacted at from about 3500 to about 5000 pounds per square inch. A method of preparing a soil substitute includes admixing the components with from about 5 to about 18 parts by weight of water and compressing the hydrated mixture at from about 3500 to about 5000 pounds per square inch.

Abstract: A soil or ground reinforcing material consisting of Al--Fe oxides mixture the main contents of which are iron oxide made from fine iron oxide powder byproduced in steel production and Aluminum oxide made from red mud by-produced in Aluminum smeltering and lime added therein is mixed into a soil containing crushed stones, natural soil, etc., and further Titanium oxide is mixed into the above soil or ground reinforcing material to make Al--Fe--Ti oxides mixture in which lime is added and mix this material into a soil or ground containing crushed stones, natural soil, etc. to enhance the strength and viscoelasticity thereof. The content of the Titanium oxide in the soil or ground reinforcing material is within the range of 0.5-2.0% by weight.