Which type of soil forms a ribbon greater than 1 inch long and feels smooth when rubbed?

The key characteristic of silt loam is its ability to form a ribbon greater than 1 inch when manipulated. Silt loam consists of a balanced texture that includes a significant amount of silt particles along with some clay and sand. The smooth feeling when rubbed is primarily due to the presence of silt, which is fine and lends a silky texture, differentiating it from coarser soils such as sandy loam or loamy sand.

This smoothness is an important tactile quality that helps in the identification of soil textures. The moisture content of the soil can also enhance this feel, making it easier to form longer ribbons with a shiny appearance when moist. The combination of the ribbon length and the smooth texture indicates a soil that has sufficient clay content along with the predominant silt component, thus aligning with the characteristics defined for silt loam.