Is it strip mine tailings? If so then even I would get a soil test. Sure any test will tell you more organic matter, but I would be concerned about the P, K and trace minerals in the soil. It might not have any.

When it comes to organic matter, I would do it all on top. Use some compost with organic fertilizer covered with two to three inches of mulch. The purpose of that is to provide soil microbes from the compost, feed them with the fertilizer, and protect them with the mulch. All that organic matter on top absorbs atmospheric moisture and any ammonia gasses in the air that the soil can use.

I agree get a soil test done. If the result indicates an impossible to work with soil, then put your soil on top and grow in that.

Contact your local office of your Pennsylvania State University USDA Cooperative Extension Service where they may well be able to tell you if mine tailings in your area are worth attempting to work with or if raised beds, Lasagna beds, would be a better option.

Here is a link that might be useful: PSUCES

I too have a swath of soil that is almost 100 percent silt. Won't hold moisture at all (after a 1" rainfall is is dry the following day) and nothing, including weeds seem to grow in it. I removed the top 5-6 inches and would like to find something I can add to it.

Mike

too have a swath of soil that is almost 100 percent silt. Won't hold moisture at all (after a 1" rainfall is is dry the following day) and nothing, including weeds seem to grow in it. I removed the top 5-6 inches and would like to find something I can add to it.

Mike

sounds more like sandy than silty