Clay, Clay Loam & Silty Clay Loam Soils
Available Water Capacity 1.6–2.4" / ft
Percent Available: Currently available soil moisture as a percent
of available water capacity.
Depleted: Inches of water currently needed to refill a foot of
soil to field capacity.
0-25% available; 2.4" - 1.2" / ft. depleted
(not pictured)
Dry, soil aggregations separate easily, colds are hard to crumble with applied pressure.
25-50% available; 1.8" - 0.8" / ft. depleted
Slightly moist, forms a weak ball, very few soil aggregations break away, no water stains, clods flatten with applied pressure.
50-75% available; 1.2" - 0.4" / ft. depleted
Moist, forms a smooth ball with defined finger marks, light soil/water staining on fingers, ribbons between thumb and forefinger.
75-100% available; 0.6" - 0.0" / ft. depleted
Wet, forms a ball, uneven medium to heavy soil/water coating on fingers, ribbons easily between thumb and forefinger.
100% available; 0.0" / ft. depleted (field capacity)
(not pictured)
Wet, forms a soft ball, free water appears on soil surface after squeezing or shaking, thick soil/water coating on fingers, slightly sticky.