Soil is that thin layer of stuff that covers the earth's surface. It comes from the transformation and decomposition of organic matter mixed with rocks and minerals. Even though it may look unassuming, it is so important for ecosystem function!

#soilnotdirt#arboretum#experiment

Why not take a minute to conduct an experiment on your backyard soil?
1. Take a jar and fill it with 2" of soil
2. Fill the jar 3/4 full of water and shake things up!

3. Wait until everything is settled- you'll see that the different components will settle out in layers with the largest particles settling first! The bottom layer is layer is sand, the middle layer is silt, and the top layer is clay (soil particle smaller than 0.002mm).

4. Calculate what percentage sand, silt, and clay you have (i.e. if your sand layer is 0.5" tall, you have 0.5"/2"= 0.25 or 25% sand). Then use your percentages to find out the soil type with the handy dandy soil USDA texture triangle!

So, what soil do you have?