Knowing the actual water infiltration rate for your yard is critical if you want minimize the amount of water you use. Repeat the experiment at several areas around your yard, being careful to record each location and its infiltration rate. If the infiltration rates at each location vary considerably, then draw a quick sketch of your yard, and plot the infiltration rate for that area. If you install an automated sprinkler system, you can adjust the emitters in each area to only deliver the amount of water that can infiltrate in a given amount of time. This will eliminate irrigation run-off from your yard or garden, while ensuring adequate soil moisture for plants.
Sand is the largest particle in the soil.
When you rub it, it feels rough. This is because it has sharp edges. Sand doesn't hold many nutrients or water. Silt is a soil particle whose size is between sand and clay. Silt feels smooth and powdery.