Soil structure refers to the shape, size and development of soil structural units or ‘peds’. Soil structure is critical in determining the provision of nutrients, water and air in soil as this is dictated by soil structure. The benefits of good soil structure from an agronomic and an environmental perspective are plenty. • Root support, water and air for the growth of food and fibre • Cycling of nutrients into plant usable forms • Purification of water through the percolation process that relies on good soil structure • Storage and cycling of carbon • Represents the largest biological habitat on earth • A reservoir of potential and currently usable genetic and pharmaceutical resources The natural structure of the soil depends upon the texture and organic matter content of the soil. Solution The soil hand-texture practice developed by Teagasc in Johnstown Castle Co. Wexford allows farmers and agronomists to quickly and relatively easily determine the texture of the soils they are working with to develop a tailored approach to managing these soils appropriately.