Your Soil Fertility and Structure Determining Your Soil s Texture Soil texture can range from very fine particles to coarse and gravelly. To get a rough idea, simply place some soil in the palm of your hand and wet it slightly, then run the mixture between your fingers.
Every soil has unique physical characteristics, which are determined by how it was formed.
Identifying Your Soil Type Soils are generally described according to the predominant type of soil particle present sand, silt, or clay. By conducting a simple soil test, you can easily see what kind of soil you're dealing with. You may want to repeat this test with several different soil samples from your lawn and garden. Screw on the lid and shake the mixture vigorously, until all the clumps of soil have dissolved. Now set the jar on a windowsill and watch as the larger particles begin to sink to the bottom.