The inorganic material in soil is called mineral matter. The mineral matter began as rock that was weathered into small particles. Most soils have different sizes of mineral particles. These particles are labeled sand, silt, or clay based on size.
Soil texture describes the proportion of three sizes of soil particles and the fineness or coarseness of soil. Soil texture may be determined in one of two ways. The percentages of sand, silt, and clay may be tested in the lab. Once tested, the textural class of the soil can be determined by referring to the textural triangle. Soils with different amounts of sand, silt, and clay are given other names. For instance, soil containing 40 percent sand, 40 percent silt, and 20 percent clay is called loam soil. The ribbon method may also determine the field’s relative amounts of sand, mud, and clay. The ribbon method may select Five textural classes.
Author(s) Details:
Rajarathinam, A.,
Department of Statistics, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, India.
Ramji, M.,
Department of Statistics, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, India.