The soil texture is determined by the relative proportions of the individual particles of sand, silt, and clay that make up the soil. thumb|A soil texture triangle plot is a visual representation of the proportions of sand, silt, and clay in a soil sample. The interaction of the individual mineral particles with organic matter, water, gases via biotic and abiotic processes causes those particles to flocculate (stick together) to form aggregates or peds. Where these aggregates can be identified, a soil can be said to be developed, and can be described further in terms of color, porosity, consistency, reaction (acidity), etc.
The soil texture is determined by the relative proportions of the individual particles of sand, silt, and clay that make up the soil. thumb|A soil texture triangle plot is a visual representation of the proportions of sand, silt and clay in a soil sample. The interaction of the individual mineral particles with organic matter, water, gases via biotic and abiotic processes causes those particles to flocculate (stick together) to form aggregates or peds. Where these aggregates can be identified, a soil can be said to be developed, and can be described further in terms of color, porosity, consistency, reaction (acidity), etc.