When performing a Feel assessment of soil texture, the presence of a talc-like material on the hands indicates that an appreciable amount of which is present?

When performing a Feel assessment of soil texture, the presence of a talc-like material on the hands indicates that an appreciable amount of which is present?

• A. Sand
• B. Silt
• C. Clay
• D. Organic matter

Answer: (B)

Feel testing relies on how soil particles of different sizes react with moisture on your skin. Sand gives a gritty, gritty texture; clay feels sticky and plastic when damp; silt is fine enough to brush off as a smooth, powdery, talc-like residue. If you see a talc-like coating on your hands during the test, that points to a notable silt fraction in the soil. Organic matter isn’t identified by a talc-like film; it tends to affect how the soil handles and smells or looks, but not produce that powdery leave-behind. So, the talc-like material indicates there’s an appreciable amount of silt present.

Feel testing relies on how soil particles of different sizes react with moisture on your skin. Sand gives a gritty, gritty texture; clay feels sticky and plastic when damp; silt is fine enough to brush off as a smooth, powdery, talc-like residue. If you see a talc-like coating on your hands during the test, that points to a notable silt fraction in the soil. Organic matter isn’t identified by a talc-like film; it tends to affect how the soil handles and smells or looks, but not produce that powdery leave-behind. So, the talc-like material indicates there’s an appreciable amount of silt present.