looking for solutions to mud in our "dry lot"

[dutch pride]

I am looking to do some work in our lot this summer to try and minimize the mud around the feeders and other heavily traveled areas and was wondering what others have done. I am thinking of scraping off the top layer and then back filling with sand and then maybe stone or crushed concrete or asphalt. Will that work or are there other solutions out there?

Also does anyone have experience in building a mound in the lot so cows will have a dry area to lay? what is the best type on soil to use?

Thank for your help and looking to gain wisdom from the vast experience here on SP.

DLZ

 

[Jill]

I would use lime as a base rather than sand.

 

[HSV]

I have used limestone screenings before. This makes a decent temporary base. We have a limestone quarry near us so the product is readily available.

 

[savaged]

This is the way to go:

http://www.usfabricsinc.com/products/cowcarpet.shtml

 

[Earthmover]

We do alot of heavy use pads that are paid for buy the Equip program. There specs are really good and I'll tell you how to do it.  Remove all uncompacted soil, get down to something hard. Roll out Geotech fabric, woven or unwoven. you should be able to get it from a local Excavator or maybe your stone supplier. place 6 inches of  #411 stone, compacted. Then place 3to 4 inches of screenings on top and compact. You can acheive compaction by wheel rolling. This will keep your cows dry all year long. You have to be careful when you scrape the first few times as to not dig up the stone. After the first year it will be as hard as concrete. If you need any help just ask.