Subsoil

Qualities of Sub-Soil

• Porosity: Measure of the amount of empty space.
• Permeability: Measure of how easily fluid can move through the soil.
• Infiltration: How easily water can enter the soil.
• Percolation: Movement of water through the soil.
• Leaching: Process where water causes nutrients to descend in the soil making them unavailable to plants and organisms living in the soil.

How to read the Soil Triangle

To read the soil triangle you need to know at least two of the percentages of sand, silt, or clay in the soil
then find the meeting point between the percentages knowing that it is 100% in total.

Sand

Sand holds the largest particles however it is not fertile due to its high porosity and subsequent poor water holding capabilities.
Quartz makes up the majority of sand.

Silt

Silt is the middle in terms of size between clay and sand and it is moderate in its abilities across the board.

Clay

Clay is very compact and as such holds nutrients well but has low infiltration, it is very fertile and holds onto water well.