Determining Soil Texture by Feel Elizabeth Newell

Why does soil texture matter? Varies across the U.S. Depends on topography and climate Different soil types support specific crops better Soil can be separated into three categories: sand, silt, and clay Loam is a combination http://soils.usda.gov/technical/aids/investigations/texture/

Sand Coarse Highly erodible Often found near fast moving water and dry, windy areas When moist a finger- print is not visible Difficult to form a ribbon

Silt Smooth, fine texture “Fine grained” soil Finer than sand Heavier than clay When moist faint fingerprint is visible Found by slow moving water and lakes Ribbon length < 5 cm

Clay Smooth texture when dry Finer than silt Sticky, stains when wet “Fine grained” soil When moist fingerprint is visible Ribbon length > 5 cm Often found by slow moving water and lakes

Step One Wet a handful of soil Form into a ball Does ball maintain shape after rolling? Yes = move to step two No = sand

Step Two Bounce the ball in your hand Did it break? Yes = loamy sand No = silt or clay Press your finger into the soil Distinct fingerprint = clay Faint fingerprint = silt

Step Three Form a ribbon of soil between your forefinger and thumb Ribbon length: < 2.5 cm = loam 2.5 to 5 cm = clay loam > 5 cm = clay Longer ribbon = greater clay content

Step Four Work the soil next to your ear to listen for modifiers Gritty sound = sandy Sandy loam Sandy clay loam Sandy clay Smooth sound = silt Silt loam Silty clay loam Silty clay

Conclusion Knowing how to determine soil texture will aid in land management practices Enables you to select the best plants for the soil type found in your field or garden