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.
Example: You have a soil that consists of 30% clay, 40% sand, and 30% silt.
Steps:
- Find the number 30 along the clay (left) side.
- Find the number 40 along the silt (right) side.
- Find the number 30 along the sand (bottom) side.
- 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%.
Give it a try!
What type of soil is 20% clay, 40% silt, and 40% sand?
Loam
Source: USDA Soil Survey Manual