Slide 1

Soil Texture and Structure Chris Thoreau February 24, 2012 Slide 2 Soil texture refers to the relative amount of sand, silt, and clay found in a soil The mixture of these components affects the feel of the soil as well as water, nutrient, and pore space interactions Slide 3 Mineral Components Sand Silt Clay Slide 4 Sand Largest soil mineral particles (.02 2 mm) Formed greatly from physical processes Spherical/erratic in shape Sand = little rocks Larger pore spaces Good drainage Does not hold a charge Difficult to compact Slide 5 Silt Size between sand and clay (.002 -.02 mm) Usually physically formed out of sand Hold and releases water well Flat or round in shape Holds very little charge Feels soapy Carried in moving water Slide 6 Clay Smallest soil mineral particle (