Delta-T HH2 - Identifying Soil Types

Field Water Capacity Values

107
Identifying Soil Types
Adapted by courtesy of the U.K. Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries.
Is the soil mostly rough
and gritty?
YES
Does soil stain the
fingers
NO
YES
NO
Is it difficult to roll
the soil into a ball?
YES
NO
NO
YES
Does soil mould to form
an easily deformed ball
and feel smooth and silky?
YES Silt loam
NO
YES
Also rough and
gritty?
Sandy clay loam
NO
Also smooth and
silky?
Clay
Also rough and
gritty?
Sandy clay
Also smooth and
silky?
Silty clay
Clay loam
Silty clay loam
Does soil mould to form a
strong ball which smears
but which does not take a
polish?
Sand
Loamy sand
Sandy loam
Sandy silt loam
Soil moulds and feels like
plasticine, polishes and
feels very sticky when
wetter
YES
Does soil feel
smooth and silky
as well as gritty?