Soil Texture

Soil texture is a very important physical property of soils. It is also one of the most studied physical property of the soil, as it provides a basis on which all other soil properties are referenced. Soil texture has both quantitative and qualitative descriptions.

Qualitative Description of Soil Texture
Qualitatively, soil texture is described in reference to the feel - the roughness or smoothness - of the analysed soil sample. This type of description is often used by experienced scientist in the field when they seek to obtain an estimate of the soil's texture being studied. The procedure for achieving this description is explained in determination of soil texture.

Qualitatively, sand is coarse and gritty, silk is smooth like flour, while clay is sticky and plastic when wet.

Quantitative Description of Soil Texture
Quantitatively, soil texture is defined in terms of the relative proportions of the soil separates (sand, silt and clay), in a given soil sample. This method is mostly used in the laboratory and it is a more accurate means of measuring soil texture. However, the level of accuracy depends on the accuracy of observation, measurement and interpretation.

The quantitative description of soil texture always involves the use of a soil texture triangle. The procedure for making this description is explained in determination of soil texture.


Study Themes:
Soil Texture; Soil Morphological Characteristics


Related Articles:
Significance of Soil Texture
Determination of Soil Texture
Soil Texture Classes