Ribbon Test

This is a simple test to determine soil texture by hand. Remember this is just an approximation. For bigger projects it is recommended to get the soil tested by a lab.

• Grab a soil sample with your hand.

• Slowly add water and knead it until it turns into dough like texture

• While you are doing this feel the soil. Sandy soil will feel gritty while clay soil is smooth.

• Then squeeze it between your thumb and fingers so that it forms a ribbon.

• Try to make it long and possible

• Measure the ribbon

Results

• Over 2 inches – Clayey soil. Usually sticky

• 1-2 inches – Loamy soil. Mixture of sand, silt and clay.

• Less than 1 inches – Sandy Soil. Crumbles easy