What does Soil Texture Class measure?

Soil Texture Class primarily measures the proportions of sand, silt, and clay in the soil. This classification is critical because the relative amounts of these particles influence various soil properties, including drainage, nutrient retention, and aeration. Understanding soil texture helps agronomists, gardeners, and environmental scientists make informed decisions about soil management, crop selection, and irrigation practices. Different textures will result in different behaviors of the soil, impacting how it holds water and nutrients, which is fundamental for plant growth and sustainability.

The compactness of soil, moisture retention, and depth of soil layers are important soil characteristics but they do not specifically define soil texture. Rather, they are influenced by the soil texture itself. For example, heavier clay soils will compact more than sandy soils, and moisture retention will vary based on the texture as well.