skip to main content

Soil, Compost & Mulch

Soil Type Testing (not nutrients)

19 years ago

I remember doing this once at my old place in Michigan, where they actually have soil...but it was so long ago I'm not sure I remember how to do it right.

Basically I'm trying to determine the type of soil I have, in terms of clay, sand, silt, organic matter, etc. It wasn't all that precise just take samples, mix thoroughly, and shake in in a jar of water...

Does this sound familiar to anyone, can you point me to a "how-to" on this?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

pablo_nh
19 years ago
Put an inch or 2 of soil in a quart jar.
Fill it 3/4 full of water.
Put the cap on.
Shake it up well.
Let it set about a day.

The bottom layer is sand, the next layer is silt, the next layer is clay.
arjo_reich
Original Author
19 years ago
Thanks, I just couldn't for the life of me remember if there was anything else you were supposed to do beyond that...
Related Professionals
Hilton Head Island Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Harrisonburg Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Augusta Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Youngstown Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Toronto Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Kansas City Landscape Contractors · Muskogee Landscape Contractors · Beatrice Landscape Contractors · Oshkosh Landscape Contractors · Topeka Stone, Pavers & Concrete · Clarksburg Stone, Pavers & Concrete · Davenport Stone, Pavers & Concrete · Duluth Stone, Pavers & Concrete · Cleveland Stone, Pavers & Concrete · Glenwood Springs Stone, Pavers & Concrete
Kimmsr
19 years ago
It would be easier if you put 4 inches of soil in that quart jar and fill it full of water. At 4 inches the math works out to the proper percent of each type of soil, the thickness of a layer, divided by the total equals the percent that layer represents.

Related Stories

FARM YOUR YARD How to Get Good Soil for Your Edible Garden

By Abundant City

The nutrients in your soil feed the plants that feed you. Here are tips on getting it right — just in time for planting season

GARDENING GUIDES Gardening Solutions for Dry, Sandy Soils

By Falon Mihalic

Has your desert or beachy site withered your gardening creativity? Try these ideas for a beautiful, easy-care landscape

GARDENING GUIDES Grow a Beautiful Garden in Alkaline Soil

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Got alkaline soil? Learn how to manage it and the many beautiful plants that will thrive in this ‘sweet’ soil

GARDENING GUIDES Get the Dirt on Your Garden’s Soil

By Falon Mihalic

Understand how your soil supports your plants so you can ensure your garden’s success

GARDENING GUIDES The Poop Scoop: Enrich Your Soil With Good Old Manure

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Get over the ick factor already — this natural super-ingredient for soil has so many benefits, you'll wonder why you ever went chemical

GARDENING GUIDES How to Stop Worrying and Start Loving Clay Soil

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Clay has many more benefits than you might imagine

GARDENING GUIDES Have Acidic Soil in Your Yard? Learn to Love Gardening Anyway

By Falon Mihalic

Look to acid-loving plants, like conifers and rhododendrons, to help your low-pH garden thrive

GARDENING GUIDES Gardening Solutions for Heavy Clay Soils

By Falon Mihalic

What’s a gardener to do with soil that’s easily compacted and has poor drainage? Find out here

GARDENING GUIDES Houzz TV: Make a Worm Bin for Rich Soil and Happy Plants

By Annie Thornton

A worm-powered compost bin that can fit under a sink turns food scraps into a powerful amendment for your garden. Here’s how to make one

CONTAINER GARDENS Container Gardening Basics: The Dirt on Soil

Learn the types of potting soil available and the best mixes to help your containers thrive

Sponsored

More Discussions

Isn't it about time for ice-out ,return of the loons and ,,,,,,,,

25

Question about applying sulfur dust

1

Mulch and I don't mean wood.

15

Using Biochar In Addition to Sized Bark in Gritty Mix

3

Adding native clay to old beds that were mainly bagged soil

2