What Type of Soil Do I Have?

Ready for some dirt on your yard’s dirt? Here is an important tip: soil type affects water retention and plant root growth. So, a lawn’s soil type determines how much water a yard needs. 

If you know your soil type, you can manually adjust your irrigation controller to apply the right amount of water for a vibrant yard. B-hyve smart watering device owners can simply select their soil type in the app. Our precise technology will do the rest.  It automatically adjusts to the perfect watering schedule.

So, let’s get grounded with the soil types that might be in your ground.

 Courtesy of Washington County Agriculture

Clay

Clay is typically heavy with very small particles. It compacts easily and is silky when dry. Clay soil retains water, but plants can have a harder time growing roots in clay due to its tight structure.  Adding organic matter to the soil can help improve the soil and make it easier for plants to grow.

When performing a ribbon test on clay soil, the ribbon will extend 2-inches or more without breaking

Clay soil has a Basic Intake Rate of .15 inches/hour, and a Field Capacity of 43%

Clay Loam

Clay loam is less heavy than pure clay and has small but slightly larger particles. There is more organic matter present in clay loam soil than in clay. It still compacts easily and is silky when dry. Clay loam soil retains water but plants may struggle growing roots due to its tight structure

When performing a ribbon test on clay loam soil, the ribbon will extend 1 to 2-inches without breaking

Clay Loam soil has a Basic Intake Rate of .2 inches/hour, and a Field Capacity of 32%

Loam

Loam, also known as top soil, is typically a rich, dark soil that has a loose breakable texture. Loam soil has a good balance of sand, silt, clay, and organic matter and is able to retain water while still allowing drainage. Most plants will have an easier time growing in loam than any other type of soil.

When performing a ribbon test on loam soil, the ribbon will extend less than 1 inch before breaking

Loam soil has a Basic Intake Rate of .35 inches/hour, and a Field Capacity of 27%

Sandy Loam

Sandy loam soil is less crumbly and coarse than pure sand, it has some smaller particles and more organic matter. Sandy loam can still be gritty to the touch but when moistened will form into a ball. Plants in sandy loam will need more frequent watering, as sandy loam does not retain water and nutrients for long

When performing a ribbon test on sandy loam the soil will form into a loose ball and the ribbon will extend less than 1 inch before breaking.

Sandy loam soil has a Basic Intake Rate of .4 inches/hour, and a Field Capacity of 20%

Sand

Sandy soil is typically loose with large particles. Sand is gritty to the touch and even when moistened will not form into a ball without crumbling. Plants have a harder time growing in sand because water and nutrients are not retained long enough for plants to absorb. Adding organic matter to the soil can help improve the soil and make it easier for plants to grow.

When performing a ribbon test on the sand, the soil will not form a ball without crumbling.

Sandy soil has a Basic Intake Rate of .5 inches/hour, and a Field Capacity of 15%