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Fact sheets
Soil texture triangle

These are the characteristics that help you identify each soil type.

SAND:

• feels sandy
• cannot be rolled into a ball.

LOAMY SAND:

• feels sandy
• can be rolled into a ball
• falls apart when handled.

LOAM:

• feels sandy
• can be rolled into a ball
• does not fall apart when handled
• feels spongy.

SANDY LOAM:

• feels sandy
• can be rolled into a ball
• does not fall apart when handled
• does not feel spongy
• cannot be rolled into a 40mm sausage shape.

SANDY CLAY:

• feels sandy
• can be rolled into a ball
• does not fall apart when handled
• does not feel spongy
• can be rolled into a 40mm sausage shape
• is like plasticine and sticky to the touch.

SANDY CLAY LOAM:

• feels sandy
• can be rolled into a ball
• does not fall apart when handled
• does not feel spongy
• can be rolled into a 40mm sausage shape
• is not like plasticine or sticky to the touch.

SILT LOAM:

• does not feel sandy
• can be rolled into a sausage shape.

CLAY:

• does not feel sandy
• cannot be rolled into a sausage shape
• will get a shine when rubbed with the thumb nail
• can be formed into a ball that is resistant to breaking and able to be given a high shine.

SILTY CLAY:

• does not feel sandy
• cannot be rolled into a sausage shape
• will get a shine when rubbed with the thumb nail
• cannot be formed into a ball that is resistant to breaking and able to be given a high shine.

SILTY CLAY LOAM:

• does not feel sandy
• cannot be rolled into a sausage shape
• will not get a shine when rubbed with the thumb nail
• produces a distinct fingerprint.

CLAY LOAM:

• does not feel sandy
• cannot be rolled into a sausage shape
• will not get a shine when rubbed with the thumb nail
• will not produce a distinct fingerprint.

How would you find out what type of soil contains 25% clay, 15% sand and 60% silt?

To find the answer plot the percentage of each type of soil particle on the texture triangle.

Did you determine the soil sample to be sandy clay loam?

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