SOIL TEXTURES

A. INTRODUCTION

 Definition of soil texture

Soil texture is a property of soil that is used to describe different sizes of mineral
particles’ proportion in a soil. These particles are grouped into ‘soil separates’ which is
according to their size. They are commonly known as clay, sand and silt. Soil texture
classification is based on the fractions of soil separates in a soil. Very often, a soil texture
triangle is used to find out soil textures.

[Soil texture triangle, showing the 12 major textural classes, and particle size scales as
defined by the USDA]

Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soil_texture
 Functions of soil texture

Soil is a very important component of nutrient cycling. It can take in nutrients in forms,
which other organisms cannot use and transform them into usable forms. Soil also manages
water by controlling the flow and drainage. Soil soaks up water and when plants need it, the
water is squeezed out. Soil provides shelter for many different organisms and home for
plants. Organisms living in the soil comprise of microscopic bacteria and small animals such
as gophers. Besides that, soil helps to filter pollutants from water and air to maintain the
quality of our air and water and ensure that they are safe.

Source : http://www.kbs.msu.edu/images/stories/docs/dairy/Soil_for_Kzoo.pdf

 Soil provides shelter for many different organisms eg. Earthworms

Source : http://jennylitchfield.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/no-dig-garden-soil-helpers.jpg

 Soil manages water by controlling drainage

Source : http://basementauthorities.com/BA_images/YardDrainage.png
 B. METHOLOGY

Determination of the Texture of Soil

Apparatus: 500 cm³ measuring cylinder

100 cm³ soil sample
300 cm³ water

Procedure :
1. 100 cm³ of soil is added to a measuring cylinder and covered with 300 cm³ of water.
2. The contents is shaken vigorously.
3. The mixture is allowed to settle out, according to density and surface area of particles,
for 48 hours.
4. The volume of the various fractions of the soil sample is measured.

Results :
The percentage of sand, silt and clay is calculated as follow :

Height of sand / cm Height of silt / cm Height of clay / cm

0.73 2.60 2.55
0.74 2.40 2.64
0.73 2.42 2.47
Average = 0.73 + 0.74 + 0.73 Average = 2.60 + 2.40 + 2.42 Average = 2.55 + 2.64 + 2.47
3 3 3
= 0.73 = 2.47 = 2.54

Percentage of sand = 0.73 X 100 %

5.80
= 12.58 %
Percentage of silt = 2.47 X 100%
5.80
= 42.58%
Percentage of clay = 2.54 X 100%
5.80
= 43.79 %

Formula :
 % sand component =
__Height of sand___ X 100%

Height of soil sample

Attachments :

100 cm³ soil sample

300 cm³ water

Soil sample added with water

C. DISCUSSION
Texture
Soil is made up of about 50% mineral particles, 25% water and 25% air. The mineral
particles are divided into three parts – sand, silt, and clay – depending on the size of the
mineral particle. Texture is the relative proportion of the sand, silt, and clay in a given soil
sample. The proportions are expressed in percent and the total is always 100 percent.
Texture is not based on other factors, such as how difficult the soil is to dig (most hardpans
are not “clay”) or color (“blue clay” is seldom made up of clay mineral particles).
Professional soil scientists, using the proportions of sand, silt and clay, and a textural triangle,
divide soils into twelve different textures. For the purposes of this contest, three major
textures used will be – sandy, loamy, and clayey.
Texture is determined by taking a sample of soil (a ball about 1 inch in diameter),
moistening it (if necessary), rubbing a small amount between the thumb and forefinger, and
determining how it feels. The proper moisture content is important because it makes it easier
to feel the mineral particles. The soil sample should be moist enough not to be dusty, but not
so moist that water runs out when you squeeze it. Many soils are moist enough in spring of
the year to be able to determine the texture, but in late summer and autumn, soils often need a
small amount of water added to them in order for you to be able to determine the texture.
There are three texture groups used on the scorecard. The following is a brief description of
what they feel and act like when rubbed between the thumb and forefinger:

Texture Feel gritty Sticky Form a ball Form a Stain fingers

ribbon
Sandy Very No No No No
Loamy Moderatel No Yes Short Yes
y
Clayey No Very Yes Long Yes

Source : http://www.nh.nrcs.usda.gov/soil%20judging%20guide.pdf

D. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, it is safe to say that our group’s soil contains sand, silt and clay. However, the
percentage of clay is the highest because of the vast amount of clay in the paddy field.