Jar Soil Test Activity - Indiana Wildlife Federation (Page 2 of 4) in pdf

Jar Soil Test Activity - Indiana Wildlife Federation Page 2

6. After the sediment has settled, you will see three distinct layers in your jar. The top will be clay,

the middle will be silt, and the bottom will be sand. Use a permanent marker or masking tape to

mark the different levels.

7. Measure the total height of the soil in centimeters (all layers combined) and write it down.

Total soil height_____________

8. Measure the heights of each individual layer in centimeters and write those down.

Height of sand layer (bottom)__________

Height of silt layer (middle)___________

Height of clay layer (top)__________

9. Divide the height of each layer by the total soil height and multiply the result by 100. Note the

results below.

(sand height/total height) x 100 = __________%

(silt height/total height) x 100 = __________%

(clay height/total height) x 100 = _________%

10. Find the attached soil texture triangle chart. Start by finding the percentage of clay from your

soil on the chart. Draw a line across the triangle at that level.

11. Look for the percentage of sand on the chart. Draw a line across the triangle at that level.

12. Repeat for the silt percentage.

13. Look for the intersection of your three lines. The colored area it falls in will be your soil’s texture

type.

Texture type_________________________________

14. Use the resources below to find out more about your soil type.

Resources

USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service

This website provides in-depth information on soil types, gives access to soil surveys by state and

county, and even has its own soil texture calculator.

Marion County Soil & Water Conservation District

Jar Soil Test Activity - Indiana Wildlife Federation Page 2