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ARS Home » Plains Area » Las Cruces, New Mexico » Range Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #396621
Research Project: Science and Technologies for the Sustainable Management of Western Rangeland Systems

Location: Range Management Research

Title: Developing a comprehensive, app-based approach to soil hand texturing

Author
item HAMRICK, LAURA - University Of Colorado
item Salley, Shawn
item Maynard, Jonathan
item Herrick, Jeffrey - Jeff

Submitted to: Soil Science Society of America Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/12/2022
Publication Date: 11/9/2022
Citation: Hamrick, L., Salley, S.W., Maynard, J.J., Herrick, J.E. 2022. Developing a comprehensive, app-based approach to soil hand texturing. Soil Science Society of America Annual Meeting. Abstract.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Hand-texturing soil is an essential skill in the field for soil scientists, agronomists, foresters, and many other professionals. A variety of techniques for hand texturing are taught globally, such as the Landon ball and wire method or the Thien ribbon method. However, they have not yet been integrated into a single combined, robust approach to soil hand texturing. Toward this end, we have developed a soil hand texturing key based on a combination of the most common soil hand-texturing techniques that draws upon the strengths of each technique. We then tested this key with novice hand-texturing learners using soil samples that were previously validated by a particle size analyzer. This key will then be used to further develop the hand texturing guides and key built into the Land Potential Knowledge System (LandPKS) app for use in soil assessments in the field.