Texture Matters
A soil’s texture reflects the proportion of three kinds of mineral particles. In decreasing size, the particles are sand, silt, and clay. Texture influences a soil’s capacity to hold water and nutrients.
Q: What’s so great about good garden loam?
A: It contains moderate amounts of each particle size. It holds plenty of air and water for roots but drains quickly and doesn’t get waterlogged.
Q: Why are crummy soils best?
A: Healthy soils have structure. Over time, roots, fungi, and bacteria clump the soil into crumbs, clods, and blocks. Structure protects soil organic matter, provides habitats for soil organisms, and creates channels for air and water.
- Sandy soil texture
- John Kelley/USDA NRCS
- Loamy soil texture
- John Kelley/USDA NRCS
- Clayey soil texture
- John Kelley/USDA NRCS
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