How is soil texture determined?

Soil texture is determined by the proportions of sand, silt, and clay present in the soil. This classification is crucial because the texture affects many important characteristics of the soil, such as water retention, nutrient availability, aeration, and the overall ability of the soil to support plant growth.

The relative sizes of these particles are what shape the soil's physical properties. For instance, sandy soils, which are high in coarse particles, tend to drain quickly but may have poor nutrient retention, while clay soils, composed of much finer particles, have a high capacity for holding water and nutrients but may struggle with drainage.

Other choices, like moisture content, presence of organic matter, and plant root density, contribute to soil health and function, yet they do not define the soil's texture. Moisture content can fluctuate and does not alter the proportions of sand, silt, and clay. Organic matter influences soil's fertility and can improve texture, but it is not a factor in determining the inherent texture itself. Similarly, plant root density may indicate soil health and viability but again does not identify the particle size composition that characterizes soil texture.