Soil Texture Pyramid

The Soil Texture Pyramid shows the ratio of particles within the soil.

Loam (40% sand, 40% silt, 20% clay) is considered the best soil type for growing crops. It is said to be the most arable.

Any soil type that contains loam is considered arable.

soil texture pyramid chart

Example: You have a soil that consists of 30% clay, 40% sand, and 30% silt.

Steps:

  1. Find the number 30 along the clay (left) side.
  2. Find the number 40 along the silt (right) side.
  3. Find the number 30 along the sand (bottom) side.
  4. Where all three lines intersect gives you the soil classification.

Your Soil is CLAY LOAM.

Note: Notice that all three numbers add up to 100%.

soil texture pyramid chart

Give it a try!

What type of soil is 20% clay, 40% silt, and 40% sand?

Loam

soil texture pyramid chart

Source: USDA Soil Survey Manual