skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Water-retaining barrier and method of construction

Patent ·
OSTI ID:201519

An agricultural barrier is disclosed which provides a medium for supporting plant life in an arid or semi-arid land region having a ground surface. The barrier is disposed on native soil of the region. The barrier includes a first porous layer composed of pieces of basalt, and is in contact with the native soil. There is a less porous second layer of at least one material selected from at least one of sand and gravel. The second layer overlies the first layer. A third layer, less porous than the second layer, contains soil which favors plant growth. The third layer overlies the second layer and has an exposed upper surface. The porosities of the second and third layers differ from one another by an amount which impedes transport of soil from the first layer into the second layer. Soil for the third layer may be provided by washing salinated or contaminated soil with water and using the washed soil for the third layer. 2 figs.

Research Organization:
Westinghouse Hanford Co
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-87RL10930
Assignee:
Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5,492,434/A/
Application Number:
PAN: 8-234,150
OSTI ID:
201519
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: 20 Feb 1996
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English