I found white dirt, is that normal?

Question

I was digging through my vegetable garden the other day and deep below the surface was a plastic bag full of white dirt. At first I thought it was sugar but it had a strange taste. I put it back, assuming the previous owners of the house had put it there as a fertilizer. Any ideas as to why the dirt is white?

Answer 1

I can't believe you tasted it.  It could be highly toxic.   Seriously, I would contact the police and have them test it in their lab.  It may be some contraband.  Or at least take a sample to a local lab to have it tested.  I would not just put it back, it may be harmful and leach into your drinking water or your garden vegetables.

Answer 2

I don't think it is wise to taste unknown substances in plastic bags, stored outdoors. It could be anything. Pesticide, fertilizer, poison, drugs...^

Answer 3

Do you taste every odd material you dig up?  And what makes you think the internet community will know what this mystery substance is?  

Okay...

Answer 4

I can't believe you tasted a foreign substance, we teach kids not to put strange things in their mouths! What if it was highly toxic, or as one person said it could be, coke? It could well be lyme, or gypsum, but please don't scare me like that again!

Answer 5

Unsure, it could be drugs some one was hiding. Or it could be Lime in a bag. Some lime is a light gray color. Some is white (or an off white) that looks like powdered sugar. Lime is a soil corrector. But clueless as to why they would put it in a plastic bag. You should take it to your local cooperative extension and show them what you found. They may have it tested to find out if it is a harm-full substance.

P.s. If you have a problem with pet odor in your lawn, a little lime makes a big difference. I found the gypsum info interesting. Here is a site on that info.  http://www.humeseeds.com/gypsum.htm

Answer 6

why would you taste something you didn't know it was that you dug up in your yard. Assume it is toxic and remove it with gloves. Dirt isn't white and isn't normally found in a plastic bag. Duh.

Answer 7

It might be gypsum. It could be anything.  I can't taste it form here.  Not sure i would.  

Why'd you rebury it?  I suggest you toss it out.  Unless you can be sure what it is and how to use it.  

Maybe it was somebodys ashes. Ya know, cremation?

Answer 8

Ask the previous owner

Answer 9

its coke.. there hiding it