Science · Soils
USGA Spec Sand
Sand intended for a USGA-style root-zone system; the name alone does not establish compliance.
Specified construction material
Profile
- Testing
- Verify current particle-size and physical test results
- System
- Root-zone blend, depth and gravel compatibility matter
- Certification
- A catalog label is not a construction approval
- Performance
- Installed hydraulic properties can change over time
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
- Out-of-spec grading
- Incompatible layer interfaces
- Organic clogging
Stress signs
- Perched wet zones
- Localized dry spots
- Declining infiltration
Where you'll find it
- Golf putting-green construction
- Root-zone specification review
More soils
All Science profilesGeneral agronomic guidance and typical ranges; actual targets vary by site, soil, climate and season.