OBJECTIVE FORESTRY

Detailed explanation-1: -To find the texture of a soil sample, first separate the fine earth*, all particles less than 2 mm, from larger particles such as gravel and stones. Fine earth is a mixture of sand, silt and clay.

Detailed explanation-2: -Sand, being the larger size of particles, feels gritty. Silt, being moderate in size, has a smooth or floury texture. Clay, being the smaller size of particles, feels sticky.

Detailed explanation-3: -Soil particles vary greatly in size, and soil scientists classify soil particles into sand, silt, and clay. Starting with the finest, clay particles are smaller than 0.002 mm in diameter. Some clay particles are so small that ordinary microscopes do not show them. Silt particles are from 0.002 to 0.05 mm in diameter.

Detailed explanation-4: -Soil separates are specific ranges of particle sizes. The smallest particles are clay particles and are classified as having diameters of less than 0.002 mm. Clay particles are plate-shaped instead of spherical, allowing for an increased specific surface area.