-Determines Soil texture depending on the percentage of sand, silt and clay, according to USDA textural triangle.
-Clasifica Soil type according to their pH.
The texture has to do with the ease with which you can work the soil, the amount of water and air that retains and speed with which water penetrates the soil and through it.
For the texture of a soil sample, first separate the fine earth *, all particles less than 2 mm, of the larger particles such as gravel and stones. The fine soil is a mixture of sand, silt and clay.
How to determine the approximate proportions of sand, silt and clay quickly ??:
According to FAO:
This is a simple test that will give a general idea of ​​the proportions of sand, silt and clay in the soil.
1. Place 5 cm soil in a bottle and fill it with water.
2. shake well and let stand for one hour. After this time, the water will be clear and observed that the largest particles have settled.
3. At the bottom is a layer of sand.
4. In the middle is a layer of silt.
5. At the top is a layer of clay. If the water is not completely transparent because it is part of the finest clay is still mixed with water.
6. In the water surface can float fragments organic matter
7. Measure the depth of sand, silt and clay and calculate the approximate proportion of each