Re: Master horizon for fill

I recommend you contact an engineering firm to evaluate your site. Your local USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service office may be able to provide some general information.

The term ""marl"" is used for several kinds of calcareous earths, some of which may be suitable for a base for a home. Marl, as used in Soil Taxonomy, is a light colored calcareous material typically deposited in fresh water by biotic processes. Most of these deposits are below the water table, consist of mostly silt size particles and varying amounts of organic materials. These materials commonly would have poor bearing capacity and, if a water table is present, problems associated with soil wetness.

If the marl has been moved from the original location problems with settling of the transported material is a possibility.