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From Wikipedia
In terms of soil texture, soil type usually refers to the different sizes of mineral particles in a particular sample. Soil is made up in part of finely ground rock particles, grouped according to size as sand, silt and clay. Each size plays a significantly different role.
For example, the largest particles, sand, determine aeration and drainage characteristics, while the tiniest, sub-microscopic clay particles, are chemically active, binding with water and plantnutrients. The ratio of these sizes determines soil type: clay, loam, clay-loam, silt-loam, and so on.
In addition to the mineral composition of soil, humus (organic material) also plays a crucial role in soil characteristics and fertility for plant life. Soil may be mixed with larger aggregate, such as pebbles or gravel. Not all types of soil are permeable, such as pure clay.
There are many recognized soil classifications, both international and national.
From Yahoo Answers
Answers:Types of soil are : Sandy, silty, clay, loamy, peaty and chalky soil More details: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/different-types-of-soil.html
Answers:Three major categories of soil dominate our area. These are: Sandy soil Loam soil, and Clay soil To figure out what type of soil you have, there are several easy methods. The first, called the rope test, requires that you squeeze a moist, but not muddy, one inch ball of soil in your hand. Then rub the soil between your fingers. Sandy soil feels gritty and loose. It won't form a ball and falls apart when rubbed between your fingers. Loam soil is smooth, slick, partially gritty and sticky and forms a ball that crumbles easily. It is a combination of sand and clay particles. Clay soil is smooth, sticky and somewhat plastic feeling. It forms ribbons when pressed between fingers. Clay soil requires more pressure to form a ball than loam soil, but does not crumble apart as easily. A second test is called a jar test and is very easy to do. Here's what you'll need: 1 clean quart jar and tight fitting lid clean water soil sample First, find an empty, clean quart jar (an old mayonnaise jar works very well for this test.) Fill the jar about 2/3 full with clean water. Next, take a sample of soil (break the large clods apart so it will fit through the jar opening) and fill the jar and water until the jar is nearly full, leaving about " of air space at the top. Screw on the lid and shake it vigorously for a minute or two, until all the soil particles are broken down into suspension in the water. Now, allow the suspended soil to settle for about a minute, and place a mark on the side of the jar at the top of the layer that has settled out. This is the sand layer is comprised primarily of sand and larger particles. Set the jar aside, being careful not to mix the sand layer that has already settled and wait approximately an hour. Now, place a mark on the side of the jar at the top of the next layer to settle out. This is the silt layer. Again, place the jar aside for a full day, being careful not to shake or mix the layers that have settled out. After 24 hours, or when the water is once again clear (more or less), place a mark on the side of the jar at the top of the final layer. This is the clay layer. The percentage of each layer tells you what kind of soil you have to change the ph of each soil type is relativly easy. adding lime will change the soils ph. it also distroys living tissue and dead organisms. it changes its acidity. Soil pH values I m sure you ve heard mysterious phrases like: Ooh, you re so lucky to have acid soil" or You ll need alkaline soil to grow those." But what does it all mean? Well, in addition to type , soil has another characteristic called its pH. This is a measurement of whether it is: Acid or ericaceous with a pH between 1 and 7, for example peaty soil Neutral with pH of exactly 7, for example some clay soils Alkaline or limey with a pH between 7 and 14, for example chalky soil With UK soils the pH range is normally between pH 4.0 and 8.5. Your soil s pH level has a huge influence on what plants will grow. Most plants prefer a pH of 6.5 to 7 the point where nutrients are most easily available But some are ericaceous - they need acid soil for example, most rhododendrons Or an alkaline soil for example, saxifrages Put an acid-loving plant in alkaline soil and it will suffer and die, and vice versa - you ve been warned!
Answers:http://soils.usda.gov/use/worldsoils/mapindex/order.html Don't forget to look at the high quality map.
Answers:You may find you have potentially several of those soil types in your own backyard. The topsoil may be loam and if you dig down to the subsoil you will likely find that it is clay. I'm assuming you mean peaty rather than peaky soil and to get that you'd just either use straight peat - easy to find at a garden center or add a bunch of peat to your loam. Silty soil would likely be found along a stream so maybe you could pick up a handful from the muck along there.Add sand to the loam and you'll have a sandy soil - that is also easy to come by at garden centers. I don't know where you'll find chalky soil These soil types are mostly about different soil textures. On my website I have some instructions for doing a soil texture test. Sounds like an interesting experiment.
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