USDA Soil Texturing Field Flow Chart

Determine Soil Texture with Confidence using this single-sided, plastic-coated guide to assist with soil texturing procedures and assign a Texture Class using the USDA texture triangle. It can be quickly used to classify USDA soil textures in the field, achieve consistent results in soil texturing outcomes, identify subclass and textural class modifiers, differentiate between classification systems, and access detailed instructional reference pages. The Flow Chart uses step-wise procedures (adopted from Foth and others, 1992) for estimating sand, silt, and clay content.

Use it to:

• Classify USDA soil texture easily and rapidly - in the field.
• Reproduce consistent soil texturing results (no pun intended).
• Determine Subclass and Textural Class Modifiers, when appropriate.
• Learn contrasts with other soil classification systems to avoid confusion.
• Comes with detailed Instructional Reference Pages

The Flow Chart applies the standard ribboning procedures to estimate the fine-grained fraction followed by placing the fraction within the texture triangle to determine Texture Class (ex: sandy loam). The guide provides instruction for determining Subclass (ex: fine sandy loam) and assigning Textural Class Modifiers for rock fragments greater than 2mm (ex: gravelly silt loam) and organic Compositional Textural Modifiers (ex: peaty sandy clay loam).

Can be used in:

• Soil Science and Soil Classifying
• Agronomic Studies
• Septic System Design and Performance for Perc Tests
• Supplemental Classification for Engineering Projects