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Jar soil test

See also: ecosystem-metrics, gardens

References: Clemson page on the Jar test]

What#

Method for determining the ratio of sand, silt and clay in soil. For identifying the soil texture

Materials#

  • Straight-edged, clear jar with lid
  • Marker
  • Ruler
  • Sieve

Method#

  1. Gather soil sample and sieve to remove debris, rocks and large organic matter.
  2. Fill the jar ⅓ full with soil.
  3. Fill the jar with water leaving some space.
  4. Cap the jar and shake vigorously into a uniform slurry.
  5. Set on flat surface for one minute.
  6. Mark the level of the sand that has settled at the bottom.
  7. Leave the jar for 2 hours.
  8. Mark the level of the silt that has settled on top of the sand.
  9. Leave the jar for 2 days.
  10. Mark the level of the clay that has settled on top of the silt.
  11. Use a rule to measure and record the height of each layer and the total height.
  12. Use the soil texture triangle to estimate the soil type.