1. Determining Soil Texture by Feel
Elizabeth Newell

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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