1. What is the Soil Texture Triangle?

The Soil Texture Triangle is a classification system that determines soil type based on the relative percentages of sand, silt, and clay particles. The three components must always add up to 100%.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the USDA Soil Texture Classification system:

Where:

• Sand - Particles 0.05-2.0 mm in diameter
• Silt - Particles 0.002-0.05 mm in diameter
• Clay - Particles less than 0.002 mm in diameter

Explanation: The calculator plots your percentages on the texture triangle to determine your soil classification.

3. Importance of Soil Texture

Details: Soil texture affects water retention, drainage, nutrient availability, and root penetration. Knowing your soil type helps with irrigation planning and crop selection.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter percentages of sand, silt, and clay that add up to exactly 100%. For accurate results, have your soil professionally tested or use the jar test method.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I determine sand/silt/clay percentages?
A: The most accurate method is laboratory analysis. A simple field method is the jar test (settling method).

Q2: What's the best soil type for gardening?
A: Loam (40% sand, 40% silt, 20% clay) is generally ideal as it balances drainage and water retention.

Q3: Why must the percentages add to 100?
A: The texture triangle is based on relative proportions. If your numbers don't add to 100, they're not true percentages.

Q4: Can I estimate texture by feel?
A: Yes, with practice. Sandy soil feels gritty, silty feels smooth/floury, clay feels sticky when wet.

Q5: How does texture affect water movement?
A: Sand promotes drainage, clay retains water, silt is intermediate. Loams provide the best balance.