Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

Soil texture refers to?

1. The ratio of sand to clay in the soil

2. The amount of humus in the soil

3. The size of the soil particles

4. The arrangement of soil particles

The correct answer is: The size of the soil particles

Soil texture is defined by the size of the soil particles, which includes sand, silt, and clay. The proportions of each of these particles determine the overall texture of the soil. For example, sandy soils have larger particles, while clay soils consist of much smaller particles. The size of these particles affects various soil properties, such as porosity, drainage capacity, nutrient holding capacity, and how well the soil can retain moisture. Understanding soil texture is crucial for horticulture, landscaping, and agriculture, as it influences plant growth, water management, and soil fertility. Factors like the ratio of sand to clay do tie into soil texture, but it's the particle size itself that primarily defines it.