Which factor determines the texture of a soil?

A.
The composition of the soil

B.
The ability of water to pass through the soil

C.
The resistance of the soil to erosion
done

D.
The sizes of the soil particles
The factor that determines the texture of a soil is the sizes of the soil particles. So, the correct answer is D.
To determine the texture of a soil, you would typically conduct a process called soil texture analysis. Here is how you can do it:
1. Collect a representative sample of soil from the area of interest. This can be done by taking several random samples from different locations within the area and combining them to create a composite sample.
2. Remove any debris such as rocks, roots, or plant materials from the soil sample.
3. Air dry the sample to remove excess moisture. This can be done by spreading the soil on a tray or in a clean container and allowing it to dry naturally. Do not artificially heat the soil, as this can alter its properties.
4. Once the soil is dry, break up any clumps or aggregates in the sample using your hands or a mortar and pestle. It's important to ensure that the soil is loose and free from any lumps.
5. Take a small portion of the soil sample and add water to it, using just enough to make it moist but not saturated. Mix the soil and water together thoroughly to form a sticky paste-like consistency.
6. Take another small portion of the soil-water mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands.
7. Once you have formed a ball, try to flatten it between your thumb and forefinger. Pay attention to how the soil behaves:
- If the soil easily forms a ribbon or is very sticky and does not crumble, it indicates a higher clay content. This suggests a fine texture.
- If the soil easily crumbles or falls apart, it suggests a higher sand content, indicating a coarse texture.
- If the soil holds together but does not form a ribbon and crumbles when touched, it suggests a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, indicating a loamy texture.
By performing these steps, you can determine the texture of the soil based on the behavior of the soil-water mixture. This information can be useful in understanding the soil's ability to hold water, its nutrient-holding capacity, and its drainage characteristics.