If the ball breaks apart, the soil is sandy. Clay can be worked to form a ribbon of soil. Loam, which contains approximately equal volumes of sand, silt and clay particles, will stick together when pressed, but will not form a ribbon of more than a half inch in length. Soil texture is important because it affects how easily soil can be worked, how well it holds water, and how quickly it warms. For example, coarsely textured, or sandy soils, allow water to enter and pass through more quickly.
Aggregates can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pea.
Organic matter promotes stabilization of the aggregate particles. Decaying organic matter acts like a glue to hold soil particles together, much like flour moistened and used as paste. Unnecessary digging or rototilling may break down aggregates into a fine powder, reducing pore space. Soil structure is more important than texture, color or parent material. It is also more important than any fertilizers that can be applied.