======The Jar Test: Soil Texture Analysis======


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**Alternative titles:** Simple Soil Composition Analysis
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Collect soil samples from about 6 inches below the surface, removing rocks, roots, and debris.  
  - Fill a clear glass jar about one-third full with soil.  
  - Add water to near the top of the jar, leaving some space.  
  - Secure the lid and shake the jar vigorously for 60 seconds.  
  - Place the jar on a flat surface and allow it to settle undisturbed for 1–3 days until the water clears.  
  - Observe the layers that form: sand settles first (minutes), silt settles next (hours), and clay remains suspended the longest (1+ day).  
  - Use a ruler to measure the thickness of each layer and calculate percentages of sand, silt, and clay.  
  - Use a soil texture triangle to classify the soil type (e.g., sandy, silty, clay, or loam).



====Links==== 
Testing Soil Texture - Mason Jar Soil Test - Growit Buildit: 
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The Jar Test - Decoding your Soil's Texture - Milkwood: 
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📄 The Jar Test: A Simple DIY Soil Texture Analysis - Building a Food Forest: [[https://buildingafoodforestscotland.com/2025/03/29/the-jar-test-a-simple-diy-soil-texture-analysis/]]\\

====Variations====
  * Compare soil samples from different garden beds, fields, or natural locations.  
  * Use distilled water instead of filtered water for more accurate results.  
  * Perform the test with added organic matter to see how soil composition changes.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Wash hands thoroughly after handling soil.  
  * Use clean jars to prevent contamination.  
  * Keep jars sealed during shaking to avoid spills.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why does sand settle faster than silt and clay? (Sand particles are larger and heavier.)  
  * How does soil texture affect plant growth? (It influences water retention, aeration, and nutrient availability.)  
  * Which soil type holds nutrients the best? (Clay, because it has a high surface area and cation exchange capacity.)  
  * Which soil type drains the fastest? (Sandy soils, due to large pore spaces between particles.)  
  * Why is loam often considered the best soil for gardening? (It balances drainage, aeration, and nutrient retention.)