Soil texture means how much sand, silt, and clay are in your soil.

 Soil texture means how much sand, silt, and clay are in your soil. It tells us how the soil feels and how it works for plants. Soil texture affects how water moves, how air gets to plant roots, and how well the soil holds plant food (nutrients).

The three main soil particles:

1. Sand

   Sand has the biggest particles (0.05 – 2.0 mm).

   It feels rough or gritty between your fingers.

   Water moves through sand quickly, so it dries out fast.

   Sand does not hold many nutrients.

   You find sandy soils in dry places where water drains easily.

2. Silt

   Silt particles are medium-sized (0.002 – 0.05 mm).

   It feels smooth and soft when dry, and slippery like soap when wet.

   Silt keeps water better than sand does.

   Silt has more nutrients than sand.

   Silty soils are common near rivers and lakes.

3. Clay

   Clay has the tiniest particles (smaller than 0.002 mm).

   It feels sticky when wet and hard when dry.

   Clay holds lots of water and nutrients, but water drains very slowly.

   Clay can get packed down (compacted), making it hard for roots to grow.

Soil texture classes

Farmers and gardeners group soils into types depending on how much sand, silt, and clay they have. Some examples are:

Loam – A good mix of sand, silt, and clay. Loam is great for growing most crops.

Sandy loam – Has more sand. Water drains well, so it is good for plants that don’t like wet roots.

Clay loam – Has more clay. It holds water and nutrients well but can be heavy and hard to dig.

Silty clay – Has lots of silt and clay. It keeps water but may become packed, making it hard for roots to grow.

Why soil texture is important

Water – Clay keeps water, but sand lets water run away fast.

Nutrients – Clay and silt hold plant food better than sand.

Roots – Loam soils 

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