Answer:
Explanation:
The field test commonly used to check for cohesive soil is the "ribbon test." This test is often employed to determine the texture and consistency of soil, specifically to identify the presence of clay and assess its cohesiveness.
In the ribbon test:
1. **Take a Soil Sample:** Take a small amount of soil and moisten it with water to make it workable.
2. **Form a Ribbon:** Squeeze the soil between your thumb and fingers to form a ribbon. The goal is to create a ribbon that holds together without breaking.
3. **Evaluate the Ribbon:** The length and texture of the ribbon provide information about the soil's characteristics.
- If the ribbon is short and breaks easily, the soil likely has low cohesion, indicating sandy or loamy soil.
- If the ribbon is long and holds together well, the soil likely has high cohesion, indicating a higher clay content.
Cohesive soils, often associated with high clay content, tend to have good water retention and can form a strong, cohesive ribbon during this test.
It's important to note that the ribbon test is a qualitative field test and may not provide precise information about soil composition. For more detailed analysis, laboratory tests may be necessary.