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2. Soil Fundamentals
The best way to measure soil texture is to send a sample to a lab for measurement of % sand, % silt,
and % clay to provide a precise textural class. This kind of analysis is often costly, simply because
it takes the lab technician a lot of time to do, but there are two ways to get initial observations or
estimates of soil texture on your own. Remember, once you measure soil texture you will likely
never have to do it again, unless you have severe wind or water erosion.
Supplies
•
Water for wetting soil
•
Small shovel or other tool to collect your soil sample
Instructions
1.
Refer to NRCS Texture by Feel Diagram for instructions
and texture determination (on next page).
2.
It is always good to try a few different times to get used
to the technique. In particular, pay attention to how much
the quantity of water you add affects the soil texture you
determine. Notice how the pressure you use between the
thumb and forefinger affects the ribbon formation. Try
with a few different soils to get an idea of how different
soils feel when forming a ribbon.
3.
This is how you will want to form your ribbon
Soil Texture Ribbon Technique
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Interpretation
What texture did you determine?
Activity – How to Measure the Soil Texture