Question about yard tracks

[eightyeightfan1]

Since yard tracks, as well as industrial sidings aren't really well maintained, visually it would be alright to have dirt covered ties, with little patches of ballast mixed in. You can use real dirt, after you sift it, you should run a magnet through it in case there are bits of metal, then microwave it for a couple of minutes to kill any little buggies that might be living in it. Don't go overboard using dirt, just patches of it should be fine.
Hope this is helpful.