Whether you’re excavating to prepare for new construction, digging to access plumbing and utility lines for repairs, or simply choosing plants for your property, the quality of the soil makes a huge difference in the process. Alaska’s soil has several unique features that affect all of these activities. Here are a few details you never knew about the dirt under your feet.

5 Alaskan Soil Facts

1. Soil Types Are Diverse

Soil is generally categorized into one of twelve orders based on its texture, pH, moisture, and content of organic matter. Of the twelve orders, Alaska contains examples of seven, making it the state with the most diverse soil quality. The soil types found here are histosols, inceptisols, mollisols, spodosols, andisols, entisols, and gelisols.

2. Gelisols Are Most Common

Out of the various orders found in Alaska, the most common is called gelisols, which is defined by the formation of permafrost within two meters of the surface. Gelisols are divided into smaller categories based on high organic matter content (histel gelisols) or by mixing caused by frost (turbel gelisols). If the soil does not meet either of those criteria, it is classified as orthel gelisols.

3. Permafrost Affects Drainage

You likely already know the ground is frozen solid in many areas of Alaska, making it difficult to complete excavating and building projects below a certain depth. But this same layer of ice also prevents moisture from draining out of the soil, which affects plant growth.

4. High Plant Matter

The average organic matter content of the soil in Alaska is higher than in other states, leading to a rich brown or black appearance due to the high nutrient content. This makes it excellent for growing plants that are able to utilize the relatively shallow soil available, once you’ve performed drainage installation.

5. Less Pollution

Because Alaska is not as industrialized as more southern states, significantly less waste and toxins have been released into the environment. For this reason, on average the soil is much cleaner. This is good news for the health of residents who eat local produce or work with the soil, as they avoid coming into contact with toxins that might be present in other areas.

 

If you’re planning an excavating project in the unique soil of Kodiak, AK, Golden Alaska Excavating is the contractor to choose. From water and sewer line installation to construction site preparation, this locally owned business provides a level of service and customer satisfaction that sets them apart from larger companies. To schedule a project, call (907) 512-0737 or send a message online. You can also find the team on Facebook.