Clay Soil

• Clay soil is a dense, compacted soil that has very little space for oxygen. The soil contains valuable nutrients; however, they are not usable to plants as the root structures cannot penetrate through. Areas with clay soil drain poorly and remain wet for long periods of time. When clay soil becomes dried, it will turn hard like rock. Clay soil becomes usable when mixed with a large amount of organic matter. Clay feels sticky when wet, but smooth when it is dry.
  
  

Sand Soil

• Sandy soil is light and airy, allowing for oxygen movement through it. While the soil is rich in oxygen, it is not rich in nutrients. Sandy soil drains quickly, taking away any available nutrients and making it too dry for optimum plant growth. Sand feels rough to the touch.
  
  

Silt Soil

• A soil that is considered silt has a consistency between clay and sand. The soil is not as heavy as clay, yet heavier than sand. The particles move easily with water, which is why this type is found near streams and rivers. Silt soil does not drain well as it becomes crusty in texture. Silt feels powdery and smooth to the touch.
  
  

Loam Soil

• Loam is considered the perfect soil as it contains a balance of sand, clay, silt and organic matter. The soil is porous, loose and holds water well. Loam soil feels smooth, gritty, and slick. When damp it will stick together to form a crumbly ball.
  
  

Testing Soil Type

• A simple test of soil will determine the type it most represents. Dig a hole four inches deep to collect a ¼ cup sample. In a one quart jar place two cups clean water and the soil sample. Add two to three drops of dish soap, seal the jar, and shake the contents vigorously for one minute. Set the jar aside for 24 hours, allowing the contents to settle completely. Sand will settle to the bottom followed by silt, then clay. Organic matter will float in the water at the top. Settlement that shows at least 50 percent sand is considered a sandy soil. Silt soil will have over 50 percent of the settlement as silt with a small amount of clay settlement. Settlement that is ¼ or more clay with silt a considerable amount of silt present is a clay soil. Loam is characterized as an even mixture of sand and silt with a very small band of clay at the top. A perfect loam is 45 percent sand, 45 percent silt, and 10 percent clay.