Clay

Very fine soil. Very small particles. Silky when dry. When moistened into ball and pushed upward between thumb and forefinger forms a 2-inch ribbon without breaking.

Clay Loam

Moderately fine soil. Fine and medium particles. When moistened into ball and pushed upward between thumb and forefinger forms a 1 to 2-inch ribbon before breaking.

Loam

Medium soil. Also known as topsoil. When moistened and pushed upward between thumb and forefinger forms less than 1-inch ribbon before breaking.

Sandy Loam

Moderately coarse soil. Large and medium particles. Gritty to touch. When moistened into ball and pushed upward between thumb and forefinger, forms less than 1” ribbon before breaking.

Sand

Coarse soil. Large particles. Gritty to touch. When moistened, will not form a ball without crumbling.