Introduction

Soil is a mixture of minerals, gases, liquids, and organic matter that are home to
countless organisms. It also acts as a medium for plant development and growth, a
storage as well as a means of purification for water, and habitat for organisms which
help in modifying soil (Sharu et al 2013). It is a product of the influence of different
environmental factors such as land topography, climate, and its parent material (Gilluly,
Waters, and Woodford, 1975), from which soil horizons form as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Horizontal layering of the soil, or a soil profile. (USDA, n.d.)

Over the years, there has been an increase in demand for information on soils as
a means for maximum yield for food plants worldwide (Fasina et al 2007). Identifying the
characteristics of the soil can help farmers pick the appropriate crops to plant for the
soil. It also provides basic information necessary to create functional soil classification
schemes and assess the level of fertility and viability of land (Lekwa et al 2004). Locally,
agriculture in the Philippines employs 47% of Filipinos as of 2013 (World Bank, 2013).
As such, soil characterization is a very important part of human lives.

Figure 2. Soil Characterization Triangle (SIEMEM, 1999)

The experiment makes use of the soil characterization triangle (Figure 2).
A certain amount of soil was sieved and the percentages of its composites were
measured. The triangle is a simple yet effective way to assess the soil present in an
area, therefore making the land easier to utilize and/or maintain.

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Sharu, M.B., Yakubu, M., Noma, S.S. , Tsafe, A.I. (June 2013). Characterization and
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