Laboratory Analysis

Particle Size Distribution

Soil Science Basics

Soil & the Environment

Working with soil

Soil & Students

Soil & Agriculture

1. Prepare the dispersing solution by mixing 50 g of Sodium Hexametaphosphate (or other soil dispersing agent) in 1 L of distilled water. Stir or shake until the dispersing agent has all dissolved.

making dispersing solution

2. Weigh 25 g of dried, sieved soil and pour it into a 250 mL or larger beaker. Add 100 mL of the dispersing solution and about 50 mL of distilled water to the beaker. Stir vigorously with a spoon or sitrring rod for at least one minute. Be sure the soil is thoroughly mixed and does not stick to the bottom of the beaker. Do not let any of the soil suspension spill out the top.

sample weighed

sample in beaker

pouring water into beaker

stirring beaker

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