Packed dirt as a substrate

[miguelcruzjr]

Near my house in Fairfield, Ca there's a field that is home to a small ecosystem of hawks, rabbits, field mice, snakes, lizards, and invertebrates. The field is covered in patches of tall grass and tightly packed dirt that is almost hard as rock in some places. When touched very little to no residue comes off on the finger. It has almost 'excavator clay' type qualities as it forms mounds and the lizards and snakes burrow in it yet it holds its shape. I was wondering if I collected this dirt and baked it to sanitize it if it would be safe to use in a leopard gecko naturalistic set up (as well as for other desert species). Are there any concerns besides the bacteria and other unwanted stow aways that will be killed when baked?


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[indyana]

Would work if you can get it to pack back together after digging up and baking. Only other concern would be anything toxic in the soil from contamination.

 

[miguelcruzjr]

I was worried about that too :/ do you know of any contaminants that may be in it? Pesticides, herbicides etc


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[miguelcruzjr]

Nvm I guess I answered my own question. I'll experiment with it and post about it later. Thanks for the reply.


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