333.T1

Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: SupplementUniversity of California, Davis

Influence of Texture on Soil

Sand

• Sand is made up of small coarse pieces of rock.

• Particles range in size from 2.00 mm to 0.5 mm.

333.T2

Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: SupplementUniversity of California, Davis

Influence of Texture on Soil

Silt

• Silt is made up of small flour-like “soil separate.”.

• Particles range from

.05 mm to .002 mm.

333.T3

Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: SupplementUniversity of California, Davis

Influence of Texture on Soil

Clay

• Clay appears plate-like in shape.

• Particles fit closely together with little space between.

• Clay particles are .002 mm or less.

333.T4

Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: SupplementUniversity of California, Davis

Influence of Texture on Soil

Soil Profile

• Soil profile is the arrangement of the soil particles within various layers.

• These layers are called horizons.

A

B

C

333.T5

Model Agricultural Core Curriculum: SupplementUniversity of California, Davis

Influence of Texture on Soil

Soil Horizons

A Horizon: Upper layer of soil. High in organic matter. Granular soil structure.

B Horizon: Subsoil. Low in organic matter. Block-like/prismatic soil structure.

C Horizon: Deepest soil. Very low organic matter. Coarse, rocky soil structure.