soil cracking

[Joe Joe]

There doesn't seem to be a landscaping group, and this is the closest I could find to one. We buried a pet a few days ago in our backyard. I noticed today that the soil around the hole that I dug is cracking (probably 1/16 - 1/8 inch wide cracks). The hole was probably about 2 feet by 2 feet by 2.5 - 3 feet deep. I'm guessing that the surrounding soil, which is well compacted, is moving, pushing against the loser soil that I filled the hole with. My worry is that the hole I dug is within a few feet of both the foundation of my house and my cement patio. Cracks on the soil surface already extend to the patio although not (yet) to the foundation. My question: is this a cause for concern? I live in the midwest and am concerned that, once winter comes, water in the cracks in the soil will freeze and expand, causing damaage to the patio if the cracks extend beneath it. Related to this, how long will the cracks remain and is it likely that there are other cracks beneath the surface which may also persist that I need to worry about? If the cracks, if they persist, might be a hazard to my patio and possibly my foundation by allowing water to stand in them and freeze eventually, what can I do to mitigate this situation before any damage occurs? Thanks

[Chaim Schotsky]

The cracks are from an effect called "Protomorphis ejaculata". It is a reaction of some soil types to the addition of excess organic matter. In this case the excess organic matter is probably from the carcass of the pet that you buried in the soil.

The decomposition of the carcass is resulting in a build up of heat in the area which results in soil moisture being expelled into the atmosphere. As you know, when soil dries its volume decreases, resulting in separation of matter, or cracks in the soil.

This is generally harmless, and the cracks will fill in with the next general rainfall of 1 inch or more, unless you do not receive rain for more than 3-4 weeks. In this case the heat in the soil will build up to excessive levels causing immense pressure in the area of the pet's carcass. If the soil temperature in this area exceeds 97 degrees there will be a mild eruption and the soil will expell the animal carcass into the air, hence the name, Protomorphis ejaculata.

[Paulo]

What a beatiful "picture"!

[V_coerulea]

Modify all soil conditions with a layer of mulch. Temps and chemical reactions will proceed more evenly and without obvious problems. Gary