Soil Texture

1. Soil Texture

2. As we learned, soil is made up of both organic and inorganic components. Soil Texture

3. Lets focus on just the inorganic mineral solids part of soil. When we investigate the soil mineral part, we see rocks, pebbles and other large rock pieces we call “coarse fragments.” Soil Texture

4. There are also smaller soil particles that make up a lot of what we consider to be soil. These particles are sand, silt and clay. Soil Texture

5. Definition: Sand: Soil particles made of ground minerals and rock that are rounded or irregular between 0.05 and 2mm in diameter. Soil Texture

6. Definition: Silt: Soil particles that are irregular fragments that are different in shape and seldom smooth or flat. Particles are between 0.002 and 0.05mm in diameter. Soil Texture

7. Definition: Clay: A very small flat (platy) shaped particle which can be part of the soil. It has the ability to tightly hold water and tends to feel slick and can hold its shape when molded. Soil Texture

8. If we put these particles side by side.. Soil Texture

9. Sometimes we see these soil particles separate from other particles in a place where they are all one uniform size. An ocean beach has a lot of grains of sand, but little to no particles of silt or clay. Soil Texture

10. But usually we find sand, silt and clay mixed together to from a soil. We call the mixture of sand, silt and clay a soil texture. Soil Texture

11. Definition: Soil Texture: The “feel” of the soil. The amount of sand, silt and clay particles that comprise the soil. Soil Texture

12. Definition: Soil Texture: If a soil has a balanced mixture of sand, silt and clay, it is called a “loam,” and is considered good soil for plants to grow in. Soil Texture

13. Scientists (and you!) can use different tools to determine the texture of a soil. The next slide is a Texture Triangle, which helps you determine the percentage of sand, silt and clay in a sample of soil. Soil Texture

14. Soil Texture A Soil Texture Triangle