Organic soils are usually found in low-lying areas where the water table is near or
above the ground surface. The presence of a high water table helps in the growth of
aquatic plants that, when decomposed, form organic soil. This type of soil deposit is
usually encountered in coastal areas and in glaciated regions. Organic soils show the
following characteristics:
1. Their natural moisture content may range from 200 to 300%.
2. They are highly compressible.
3. Laboratory tests have shown that, under loads, a large amount of settlement is
derived from secondary consolidation.