What should be ensured when adding material to soil?

When adding material to soil, ensuring that the material is compacted using controlled measures is essential for several reasons. Proper compaction improves the stability and load-bearing capacity of the soil, which is particularly important in construction and landscaping. Compacted soil minimizes the risk of future settling which can lead to structural issues or uneven surfaces. Controlled compaction ensures that the soil achieves the desired density and strength, preventing problems such as erosion or water infiltration issues that could arise with poorly compacted material.

In contrast, mixing materials from different sources without proper testing can lead to inconsistencies in soil composition and may introduce harmful contaminants or undesirable properties. Using raw, untested materials could pose risks such as introducing pathogens or weeds, and relying solely on organic materials might not provide the necessary nutrients or structural support that some projects require, thereby compromising soil quality and function. Therefore, the focus on controlled compaction emphasizes the importance of creating a stable and reliable soil environment when adding new materials.