Based on Clemson University’s approach. You can download the three-page pdf guide of this information (see Article Attachments, below).
- Collect your soil: Collect some soil and remove any debris, rocks, and large organic matter (leaves, sticks, roots, etc.). Add the soil to a clear jar up to the ‘soil’ line, then add water until it reaches the ‘water’ line.
- Shake: Shake the cup of soil vigorously until the soil turns into a uniform slurry. Leave it on a level surface.
- Wait 1 minute and mark: Leave the jar for 1 minute, place a mark on the outside of the jar, showing the coarse sand layer settled at the bottom of the jar.
- Wait for two hours: After 2 hours, mark the top of the next settled layer with the marker. This is the silt layer.
- Leave for 48 hours: Leave the jar for 48 hours and mark the top of the next settled layer with the permanent marker. This is the clay layer, which will have settled on top of the silt layer
- Measure and record: Using a ruler, measure and record the height of each layer and the total height of all three layers.
- Calculate your results: Work out the % sand, silt and clay using the following equations:
- % SAND=(sand height)/(total height) x 100
- %SILT=(silt height)/(total height) x 100
- % CLAY=(clay height)/(total height) x 100.
- Interpret using the soil texture triangle: Use the soil texture triangle (see separate sheet) to work out the soil texture and record this in the Vidacycle app.
The other two pages in the attached pdf guide include: the texture triangle diagram; the AHDB approach flowchart.