Question

The relative proportion of sand, silt and clay in a soil sample designates

• A. Soil structure
• B. Soil texture
• C. Soil strength
• D. Soil hardness

Hint:

Texture = Particle size distribution (Permanent).
Structure = Spatial arrangement of particles into aggregates (Can be modified by tillage).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Soil classification depends on the physical grain size distribution of its mineral particles (sand: 0.05 to 2.0 mm, silt: 0.002 to 0.05 mm, clay: $< 0.002$ mm).
Key Formula or Approach:
\[ \%\text{Sand} + \%\text{Silt} + \%\text{Clay} = 100\% \]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Soil texture is an intrinsic, permanent physical property determined by the relative percentage of primary soil particles (sand, silt, and clay fractions).
Textural classes are determined using the USDA soil textural triangle.
Conversely, soil structure refers to the aggregation and arrangement of primary soil particles into secondary clusters or peds (e.g., granular, blocky, platy).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, the relative proportion of sand, silt, and clay designates Soil texture, matching option (B).