**3.2 Field estimate assessment**

A rough estimate of a soil textural class can be obtained by the method of feel. This method is used by environmental scientists and engineers in preliminary site reconnaissance, detailed site and contaminant characterization, sampling for transport and fate modeling, risk assessment, and in remediation selection and design. Development and execution of textural field program is relatively simple and inexpensive. In conjunction, overall project costs may be reduced as field method provides a more efficient alternative to other more complex and expensive methods. However, when dealing with a contaminated site, safety requires that one should wear gloves and avoid direct contact with contaminated soil material being assessed.

The method of feel is based on visual and tactile observations. This technique involves working a wet soil sample between the thumb and fingers to estimate the amount of sand, silt, and clay. Rarely, if ever, does a particular soil consists wholly of one soil separate or size fraction. General properties of the three major soil separates are reported in **Table 5**. The method by feel requires some practice to acquire a high level of proficiency.


#### **Table 5.**

*Basic characteristics of soil separates.*
