This method quantitatively determines the physical proportions of three sizes of primary soil particles as determined by their settling rates in an aqueous solution using a hydrometer. The hydrometer method of estimating particle size analysis (sand, silt and clay content) is based on the dispersion of soil aggregates using a sodium hexametaphosphate solution and subsequent measurement based on changes in suspension density. The method has a detection limit of 1% sand, silt and clay (dry soil basis).
Sample amount requested: 100 g Questions concerning limited sample size can be answered by the UC Davis Analytical Laboratory.
Sheldrick, B. H. and Wang, C. 1993. Particle-size Distribution. pp. 499-511. In: Carter, M. R. (ed), Soil Sampling and Methods of Analysis, Canadian Society of Soil Science, Lewis Publishers, Ann Arbor, MI.
