Texture and composition of soil is important when thinking about where water and contaminants in water will flow. Whether you are a farmer looking to better care for your crops, a homeowner, or a business, you can better understand your property with a look into your soil.
What are the basic soil types?
There are three basic soil types: clay, silt, and sand. Clay soils have the smallest particle size and create lots of surface area for water, nutrients, and contaminants to be held in place. Silty soils have the next largest particle size and thus have moderate particle holding capacity and drainage. In sandy soils water drains quickly because of the large particle size. These means chemicals would move quickly as well through this soil.
To get a quick idea of your soil type, take some moist soil and rub it between two fingers. Is it stick like clay? Is it crumbly like sand? Or somewhere in the middle of these?
Why does knowing soil type matter for contamination?
Knowing the soil type helps to understand the impact of chemical spills or water contaminants and how quickly and far they may reach. For example, will waste from a leaking tank seep downward quickly, flow into a neighboring property or remain on the land for a longer period of time?
It’s important to understand that even though a spill takes place on your property, it may move underground beyond your property’s boundaries.
Regardless of your soil type, it is always important to maintain your well, your septic system, and store and apply chemicals properly. Thinking about your neighbors near and far as well as your own property will help your whole community’s water supply stay safe and clean for all.
To dive into your soil type, check out this “Texture by feel” guide from the USDA.
