RHS - Soil Texture Tutor – Mike Tanti

Soil types – why is it important to know? How they react when wet or dry How they drain How they react to maintenance practices e.g. aeration, irrigation

3 components of soil minerals ___________

3 components of soil minerals Sand Silt Clay

Soil particle size

Soil texture How it feels to touch. Soil particle size relates to its soil texture 11 categories in Soil texture triangle

Soil texture Grittiness roughly indicates __________ Silkiness roughly indicates __________ Stickiness roughly indicates _________

Soil texture Grittiness roughly indicates sand Silkiness roughly indicates silt Stickiness roughly indicates clay

Soil classification Sand Loamy sand Sandy loam Sandy silt loam Sandy clay loam Silty clay loam Clay loam Sandy clay Silty clay Clay

Activity 1 - Soil texture test Palm full of soil Slowly wet soil (not soaked) Knead between fingers and thumbs Lumps broken down Get rid of stones, organic matter Compare with soil texture chart

Activity 2 – Find the soil texture

Self Assessment What is meant by soil texture? How do we measure soil texture? What are the 4 components of soil?