There is no set dilution rate that dictates the ratio of Perma-Zyme to water during the initial application process. Learn how to calculate the correct amount of water for any project and how to maintain soil moisture during construction.
There is no set dilution rate that dictates the ratio of Perma-Zyme to water during the initial application process. Rather, projects will always use one gallon of Perma-Zyme per 160 cubic yards of soil. The amount of water will depend on the soil’s current and optimum moisture levels. We recommend that the soil be as close as possible to optimum moisture prior to compaction.
The climate and season will impact the amount of water you need to use. Soil in hot, dry climates requires more water to reach optimum moisture than soil in cool, humid ones.
If a laboratory performed a proctor test, then you will know the soil’s current and optimum moisture content. With that information, you can estimate the amount of water necessary.
STEP 1: IDENTIFY SOIL PROPERTIES
STEP 2: CALCULATE THE NECESSARY AMOUNT OF WATER
It is important to convert the percent of water to add into a decimal before placing it in the second equation.
Maintaining Soil's Water Content During Construction
Performing these calculations will provide a rough idea of how much water and how many water trucks are necessary for a given project. It is also necessary to consider additional factors on construction day such as:
- What is the temperature?
- Is there rain in the forecast?
- How far is the water source from the jobsite?
- What is the humidity level?
- How far is the soil’s current moisture from its optimum moisture?
All of the factors above will impact the soil and its ability to reach optimum moisture. Most jobsites require two or three water trucks because water is so vital to Perma-Zyme’s success.
During construction, constantly monitor the soil’s moisture content in various locations to ensure that the soil maintains optimum moisture and will compact properly. You can do this by performing the hand test detailed below:
Pick up a handful of soil. Squeeze it, then open your hand.
Left image: Too dry. If the soil is powdery and will not retain the shape of your hand, it is too dry. If it shatters when you drop it, it is too dry.
Center image: Too wet. If the soil is muddy, oozes when you squeeze it, or stays in one piece when you drop it, it has too much moisture for compaction.
Right image: Optimum moisture. If the soil holds its shape and breaks into only a couple of pieces when you drop it, it has the right amount of moisture for proper compaction.
