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Soil Survey Manual - Table 3-18

Stickiness classes

Classes Test Description
Non-sticky After release of pressure, practically no soil material adheres to thumb or forefinger.
Slightly sticky After release of pressure, soil material adheres perceptibly to both digits. As the digits are separated, the material tends to come off one or the other rather cleanly. The material does not stretch appreciably on separation of the digits.
Moderately sticky After release of pressure, soil material adheres to both digits and tends to stretch slightly rather than pull completely free from either digit.
Very sticky After release of pressure, soil material adheres so strongly to both digits that it stretches decidedly when the digits are separated. Soil material remains on both digits.