Which attribute is considered when discussing the texture of soil?

The texture of soil refers to the composition and arrangement of soil particles, which primarily includes sand, silt, and clay. Particle size is a crucial factor in determining soil texture because it directly influences the soil's physical properties, such as drainage, nutrient retention, and aeration.

Soil texture classification is based on the relative proportions of these different particle sizes. For instance, sandy soils have larger particles, while clay soils have much smaller particles. The particle size affects how water and air move through the soil, impacting plant growth and soil health.

In contrast, attributes such as color, pH level, and organic matter content, while relevant to overall soil health and function, do not define soil texture. Color can indicate mineral content or organic matter presence but is not a measure of particle size. pH level reflects the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, which affects nutrient availability but is not related to texture. Organic matter content contributes to soil fertility and structure but does not provide information on the size of the individual soil particles. Therefore, particle size is the most accurate attribute when discussing soil texture.