Soil Texture

Which of the following is the correct order of soil particles in order of increasing particle size?

• clay-sand-silt

• sand-clay-silt

• silt-clay-sand

• clay-silt-sand

Soil sample that is 60% clay, 30% silt, and 10% sand has which texture? 

• clay

• clay loam

• sandy loam

• silt 

Which soil component has the least capacity for holding water?

• silt

• clay

• sand

• humus

_______ is the type of soil used most often with plants and on farms. It is a mixture of clay, sand, and silt.

• loam

• humus

• soil

• dirt

Ellen grabs a topsoil sample in her hand. She rolls it into a ball. The soil feels gritty and the ball falls apart. What part of the topsoil most likely made the topsoil feel gritty?

• clay

• sand

• silt

• humus

You dig a small hole in the soil and the next day it rains. The hole fills with water, but does not empty even after several days of dry weather. What is the soil mostly made of?

• clay

• sand

• humus

• silt

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Which horizon contains clay, silt, and minerals, and is commonly referred to as subsoil?

• Horizon A

• Horizon B

• Horizon C

• Horizon D or R

Porosity is a measure of void space in a soil sample. Larger soil particles have larger void spaces. Smaller soil particles have smaller pore spaces, but a greater number of them, which leads to higher surface tension and higher % porosity. With this is mind, which statement is true:

• Sandy soil has a higher porosity than clay soil

• Sandy soil has a higher porosity than silty soil

• Clay soil has a higher porosity than sandy soil

• Porosity is directly proportional to soil particle size

What is a tool to determine soil texture using 3 percentages?

• Ribbon Test

• Texture Triangle

• pH Test

• Jar Test

Which soil particle is the smallest, feels smooth, and gets heavy when wet (like a sponge)?

• Sand

• Silt

• Clay