United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service		 Montana Go to Accessibility Information
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Sandy Loam and Fine Sandy Loam Soils

Appearance of sandy loam and fine sandy loam soils at various soil moisture conditions

Available Water Capacity = 1.3 to 1.7 inches per foot

Percent Available: Currently available soil moisture as a percent of available water capacity.
Inches per Foot Depleted: Inches of water currently needed to refill a foot of soil to field capacity.

0 to 25 percent available 1.7 to 1.0 inches per foot depleted

Dry, forms a very weak ball, aggregated soil grains break away easily from ball. (Not pictured)

25 to 50 percent available 1.3 to 0.7 inches per foot depletedPicture of soil sample after squeezing in the hand, description as follows:

Slightly moist, forms a weak ball with defined finger marks, darkened color, no water staining on fingers, grains break away.


50 to 75 percent available 0.9 to 0.3 inches per foot depletedPicture of soil sample after squeezing in the hand, description as follows:

Moist, forms a ball with defined finger marks, very light soil/water staining on fingers, darkened color, will not slick.


75 to 100 percent available 0.4 to 0.0 inches per foot depletedPicture of soil sample after squeezing in the hand, description as follows:

Wet, forms a ball with wet outline left on hand, light to medium staining on fingers, makes a weak ribbon between the thumb and forefinger.


100 percent available 0.0 inches per foot depleted (field capacity)

Wet, forms a soft ball, free water appears briefly on soil surface after squeezing or shaking, medium to heavy soil/water coating on fingers. (Not pictured)

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