Topographic position and vegetation as well as mottling or other morphological characteristics are useful field criteria for assessing soil moisture status. The key provided is from the Maine Association of Professional Soil Scientists. If soils are strongly influenced by seepage waters, please note. Hydrologic regime - circle appropriate descriptor. Texture A1 Soil does not remain in a ball when squeezed sand A2 Soil remains in a ball when squeezed B B1 Squeeze the ball between your thumb and forefinger, attempting to make a ribbon that you push up over your finger.
Residue retains structure of peat.
Residue muddy but it clearly shows growth structure of peat. Press residue muddy. Residue very muddy, but growth structure more obvious than in unpressed peat. If water is squeezed out, it is porridge-like. Residue consist mainly of roots and resistant fibers.