Enter all but one of the percentages of each soil component (A, B, and C) and their corresponding values in the soil triangle (X, Y, and Z) into the soil composition calculator.

Soil Triangle Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the soil composition in a soil triangle calculator:

S = (A * X + B * Y + C * Z) / 100

Variables:

  • S is the soil composition
  • A, B, and C are the percentages of each soil component (sand, silt, and clay)
  • X, Y, and Z are the corresponding values of each soil component in the soil triangle

To calculate the soil composition, multiply the percentage of each soil component by its corresponding value in the soil triangle. Add the results together and divide by 100 to get the final soil composition percentage.

What is a Soil Triangle?

A soil triangle, also known as a soil texture triangle, is a diagram that is used by soil scientists and geologists to visually classify soils based on their proportion of sand, silt, and clay particles. The triangle is divided into various sections, each representing a different type of soil, such as loam, sandy clay, or silty clay. The three sides of the triangle represent the percentage of sand, silt, and clay, respectively. By plotting the percentages of these three components, one can determine the soil’s texture class. This classification is important as it helps in understanding the soil’s properties, such as its water-holding capacity, nutrient availability, and its suitability for different types of plants or crops.

How to Calculate Soil Triangle?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Soil Triangle:

  1. First, determine the percentage of sand in the soil sample (%).
  2. Next, determine the percentage of silt in the soil sample (%).
  3. Next, determine the percentage of clay in the soil sample (%).
  4. Finally, plot the percentages of sand, silt, and clay on the Soil Triangle graph.

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Percentage of sand (%) = 40

Percentage of silt (%) = 30

Percentage of clay (%) = 30