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I grew up on a "muck farm" in Ohio (that's what it's called) near Hartville and we worked it by hand. Muck is a very rich, dark (black, or almost black) soil that actually releases steam in the summer heat. It has a distinct smell, which is a little loam-y. It's not as dry as peat, and is easy to turn (although it holds moisture well, so after a rain, it is harder to plow). When you are planting or weeding in the summer, you can actually see the steam rise from it. You come out of the fields covered in black dirt that clings to your pores (like a coal miner, actually), and sticks to your skin. We have pictures of us as teenagers after working in the fields, and all you can see are our eyes and smiles...the rest is black. Muck is actually very nutrient rich (usually it's found near small creeks or springs, so muck may have been swamp or wetlands at one point, with its lush vegetation turned to compost). Muck is famous for being able to grow almost anything the climate will allow (especially farm crops: vegetables and fruits). Even cuttings or seeds you "throw away" will easily grow, and so you have to be careful where you dump those things: a large patch of rhubarb or pumpkins will easily sprout & "take off" if it hits that fertile ground. It's a truly beautiful sight to see rows of light spring- green colored lettuce against the black soil. Visitors to the area ALWAYS comment on the dark black color of the soil (and often ask us what we "add" to the soil to make it that color).

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15y ago

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What is the difference between sand and dirt and soil?

Sand is composed of small mineral particles primarily made of silica, while dirt is an informal term often used to describe soil that is loose and not contained in a natural setting. Soil is a complex mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, and air that supports plant growth.


How much organic matter is in muck?

Muck generally contains a high amount of organic matter, ranging from 10% to 50% depending on the specific source and composition of the muck. It is primarily composed of decomposed plant material and microbes, contributing to its dark color and nutrient-rich properties.


What does a muck fire do?

A muck fire is a type of subsurface fire that burns in decomposing organic material like peat. It can smolder for long periods of time underground, producing smoke and potentially causing environmental damage from carbon emissions. Muck fires are challenging to extinguish due to their underground location and can reignite even after appearing to be extinguished.


How often does a muck fire occur?

Muck fires can occur frequently in areas with high levels of organic material, such as peat or decomposing vegetation, combined with hot and dry conditions. The frequency can vary depending on the location and weather patterns, but they are more common in regions like Florida's Everglades or other wetland areas.


Is it covered with dirt or covered in dirt?

Both "covered with dirt" and "covered in dirt" are commonly used phrases. The difference is subtle - "covered with dirt" implies that the object has some dirt on it, while "covered in dirt" suggests that the object is completely surrounded by dirt. Both are correct and can be used interchangeably in most cases.