Soil Texture Triangle Diagram
Click here for a high resolution version of the graphic texture class is one of the first things determined when a soil is examined.
Soil texture triangle diagram. Soil texture may be determined in one of two ways. Once tested the textural class of the soil can be determined by referring to the textural triangle. A fine textured or clayey soil is one dominated by tiny clay particles. The percentages of sand silt and clay may be tested in the lab.
Determining soil texture is often aided with the use of a soil texture triangle. Including the optional sand fractions will refine the calculation. Estimating soil texture cmg s14 page 3 the soil texture triangle gives names associated with various combinations of sand silt and clay. The soil texture triangle is one of the tools that soil scientists use to visualize and understand the meaning of soil texture names.
Textural classes soil texture describes the proportion of three sizes of soil particles and the fineness or coarseness of a soil. These percentages are based on the usda definition of sand. Page 1 of 2. The textural triangle is a diagram which shows how each of these 12 textures is classified based on the percent of sand silt and clay in each.
Notice in the diagram above how there s diagonal and horizontal lines running through this triangle. Properly classifying the soil in your yard or garden helps you describe the soil scientifically predict potential problems and determine whether a certain plant is likely to thrive or struggle in a site. Guide to texture by feel. A common soil science and agricultural tool the soil texture triangle uses the percentages of sand silt and clay in the soil to assign it to one of 12 textural classes.
Or download a microsoft excel macro enabled spreadsheet to develop total sand silt and clay low representative and high values using an interactive texture triangle with textures that toggle on and off. A flow diagram for teaching texture by feel analysis. A coarse textured or sandy soil is one comprised primarily of sand sized particles. It is related to weathering and parent material.
One side of the triangle represents percent sand the second side represents percent clay and the third side represents percent silt. An example of a soil triangle is found on the right side of the page. Unit 6 soil triangle practice activity pdf.