Soil types and characteristics

Three types of soil

  • Loam soil 
  • Sand soil
  • Clay soil
Characteristics of soil

Loam soil


 Is a combination of sand, silt and clay. Loam soil will vary depending on how much of each component is present. It is the best for farming crops as it consists of better nutrients and better water holding capacity, it holds moisture but also allows for good drainage.

Sand soil


is actually small particles of weathered rock. Sand soil is fairly coarse and it has high drainage of water. Because of its good drainage of water, it's not good for growing plants because sandy soil will not hold water or nutrients, and can't anchor the plant roots.

Clay soil

is very fine-grained soil. Its particles are smaller than slit, so there is very little space between the fine grains for air or water to circulate. Thus, it is not good for plant growth, plants cannot grow in this type of soil. It is therefore, the best soil type for pottery, it can be moulded into shapes such as pottery bowl or a building brick.

Slit soil

is a fine sand, and it hold water better than the sand. It is very stick and smooth. If you were to hold it, you will feel like you are holding flour,  it feels stick and smooth, when added to water.

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