Soil Texture Lesson Plan
Soil Triangle Worksheet
Texture_by_Feel_Analysis
Determining Soil Texture
Overview
In this lesson, students will gain an understanding of the importance of soil texture by identifying the major components of soil, examining how different proportions affect soil texture, how to determine soil texture by using their hands.
Determining Soil Texture
Soil Texture Lesson Plan BTI
Objectives:
- Identify components of soil
- Identify how proportions affect soil texture
- Describe the concept of soil texture and its importance
Materials
- Soil Texture PowerPoint
- Soil Texture Triangle Handouts/ practice problems
- Soil by hand Guide
- Soil texture samples (with labels covered)
- Trays to hold soil samples
- Water in a spray bottle
Main Points
Defining Soil Texture- The fineness of coarseness of the soil
- Sand- large particles
- Silt- medium sized particles
- Clay- small particles
Importance of Soil Texture
- Water-holding capacity—the ability of a soil to retain water for use by plants
- Permeability—the ease with which air and water may pass through the soil
- Soil workability—the ease with which soil may be tilled and the timing of working the soil after a rain
- Ability of plants to grow—some root crops like carrots and onions will have difficulty growing in a fine-textured soil
Determining Soil Texture
Soil texture may be determined in one of two ways:
- By Soil Texture Triangles
- By The Ribboning method
- Soil Texture by the numbers
- The percentages of sand, silt, and clay may be tested in the lab. Once tested, you may determine the textural class of the soil by referring to the textural triangle. There are 12 basic textural classes.
- Soil Texture by hand
- The relative amounts of sand, silt, and clay may also be determined in the field using the ribbon method. Five textural classes may be determined using the ribbon method.