TESTING SOIL TYPES - Two Soil Test You Can Do To Determine What Soil Type You Have

Summary

This video tutorial introduces viewers to the concept of soil texture and its importance for gardening. It outlines two methods to determine soil composition: a quick test using hand manipulation to assess soil's ability to form a ball and a ribbon, indicating the presence of sand, silt, or clay; and a more detailed jar test that involves settling soil particles in water to visually differentiate layers of sand, silt, and clay. The video promises an infographic and a calculator tool for further assistance, encouraging viewers to engage with the content and subscribe for more gardening tips.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Soil texture is a classification that helps determine the percentage of clay, silt, and sand in the soil, which is crucial for understanding soil fertility.
• 💧 A well-balanced soil type, known as loam, retains nutrients and water effectively while allowing excess water to drain, ideally composed of 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay.
• 🔍 The video introduces two methods to determine soil texture: a quick test using basic manipulation and a more detailed jar test for a more accurate analysis.
• 🤲 The quick test involves feeling the soil's texture when wet and trying to form a ribbon from it; the length of the ribbon indicates the soil's clay content.
• 🗑️ The jar test requires a cylindrical jar, water, and soil samples from the garden, which are mixed and left to settle to observe the分层 of different soil particles.
• 🕒 The settling process in the jar test takes time, with sand settling first, followed by silt, and finally clay, which takes the longest due to its smallest particle size.
• 📏 The height of the layers in the jar test can be measured to determine the percentage of sand, silt, and clay in the soil, providing a quantitative assessment of soil texture.
• 🌟 The video provides an infographic and a calculator in the description to help viewers interpret their soil texture results and understand their soil better.
• 🛠️ Amending soil involves adjusting its texture to improve fertility, which can be guided by the results from the soil texture tests described in the video.
• 🌿 The host shares their personal experience with soil amendment and invites viewers to comment on the results, fostering a community of gardeners exchanging tips and experiences.

Q & A

What is soil texture?

Soil texture is a classification that helps you understand the percentage of clay, silt, and sand in your soil. It's important for determining the fertility and water retention capabilities of the soil.

Why is loam considered a good soil type?

Loam is considered a good soil type because it retains nutrients and water well while still allowing excess water to drain away, making it ideal for plant growth.

What is the ideal composition of a loam soil?

The ideal composition of loam soil is 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay.

How can you perform a simple soil texture test without any tools?

You can perform a simple soil texture test by collecting soil samples, wetting them, and kneading until it feels like play-doh. Then, roll it into a ball to see how easily it forms and holds its shape.

What does the feel of the soil in your hand indicate during the texture test?

The feel of the soil in your hand can indicate the presence of stone particles and whether it feels like sugar, sand, or flour, which helps in determining the soil texture.

How does the ribbon test help in determining soil texture?

The ribbon test involves rolling wet soil into a ribbon and letting it fall from your hand. The length of the ribbon before it breaks indicates the soil's texture, with a shorter ribbon suggesting more clay content.

What is the jar soil test and how does it work?

The jar soil test is a method where you mix soil with water in a cylindrical jar, shake it, and let it settle. The layers that form after settling indicate the soil's composition, with sand at the bottom and clay at the top.

How long does it usually take for the soil layers to settle in the jar test?

It usually takes a few seconds for the sand layer to settle, an hour for the silt layer, and overnight for the clay layer to settle completely.

How can you determine the percentage of each soil particle in the jar test?

You can determine the percentage of each soil particle in the jar test by measuring the height of each layer and dividing it by the total height of the layers combined.

What are some ways to improve soil texture if it's not ideal?

Improving soil texture can involve adding organic matter, such as compost, to increase fertility, or amending with sand or clay to adjust the balance of soil particles.

What is the purpose of the infographic mentioned in the script?

The infographic is meant to guide viewers in determining their soil texture based on the observations and tests conducted, helping them understand and potentially amend their soil for better gardening results.