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Soil Texture Triangle
AP Environmental Science · Earth Systems & Resources
Soil Particles

Soil texture is determined by the relative proportion of three mineral particles, ranked by size:

1. Sand (0.05 - 2.0 mm): Largest, gritty, high permeability.
2. Silt (0.002 - 0.05 mm): Medium, smooth/floury.
3. Clay (< 0.002 mm): Smallest, sticky, high water retention.

Loam

The ideal agricultural soil. It contains a balanced mixture (roughly 40% sand, 40% silt, 20% clay), providing excellent drainage and nutrient retention.

How to Read the Triangle
  • Clay: Read straight horizontal to the right.
  • Silt: Read tracing down/left.
  • Sand: Read tracing up/left.
Tags
APESSoilAgricultureLoam
USDA Soil Triangle
Adjust the percentages below. The tool will auto-balance to ensure they equal 100%. Follow the intersecting lines to determine the soil class.
Composition (Total: 100%)
Percent Clay 20%
Percent Silt 40%
Percent Sand 40%
Current Soil Type
LOAM