Science · Soils
Silt
Silt-dominant mineral soil, vulnerable to crusting and erosion when unprotected.
Mineral soil texture
Profile
- Particles
- Intermediate size between sand and clay
- Retention
- Often substantial water storage
- Structure
- Bare disturbed surfaces can seal
- Traffic
- Wet silt is readily compacted
Water & soil targets
- Moisture (VWC)
- Site-calibrated; measure field capacity and dry-down
- Salinity tolerance
- Not determined by this label; measure EC and relevant ions
- Drought tolerance
- Depends on usable storage, rooting depth and vegetation
Measure retention, infiltration and layer depths in place. Texture or construction labels do not define a universal irrigation threshold.
Problems to watch
- Crusting
- Erosion
- Compaction
Stress signs
- Poor emergence
- Sediment deposits
- Slow infiltration
Where you'll find it
- Vegetated landscape soils
- Erosion-control planning
More soils
All Science profilesGeneral agronomic guidance and typical ranges; actual targets vary by site, soil, climate and season.