Answer to Question #86416 in Chemistry for Uma

Question

What is the basis of soil texture analysis ?explain any two methods used for this purpose.

Answer 1

Soil texture analysis is performed to estimate the percentage of sand, silt, and clay in a soil sample. These values are then used in a texture analysis triangle to classify the soil sample and determine soil type. The differences between the size and volume of sand, silt and clay particles are used to determine the percentage of the components in soil.

The jar method for soil texture testing is based on the mixing of the dried soil sample with an equal volume of water. After thorough shaking of soil-water suspension, the three fractions of soil will be separated within different periods as the weight and size of the particles vary. As a result, the sand layer will be on the bottom of the jar. The silt layer will be observed above the sand layer whereas the clay layer will be on the top of the precipitate.

The determination of soil texture by feel is used mostly in the field studies. For the purpose, approximately 10 g of soil is mixed with water, and a soil ball is formed using fingers. Next, the ball is put between thumb and forefinger to form a soil ribbon. The thickness of the ribbon and particular feeling of the soil (gritty or smooth) with the subsequent addition of water indicates the soil sample texture.