Soil - Size matters

Size matters

Soils are generally made up of one of three mineral particles: sand, silt, or clay. The type of particles is another major factor in determining the life in and on the soil. Water and air, needed by both plants and animals, sit in the spaces between the particles. Almost all soils have

some combination of these particles, and it is the relative percentage of one over the other that determines its category.

Sand particles are relatively large, ranging in size from 0.002 inches to 0.08 inches (0.05 millimeters to 2 millimeters) in diameter. Sandy particles feel gritty to the touch. The particles have large air spaces between them, causing water to run through easily. Because they do not retain moisture, sand is loose and crumbly. Water that runs through sand can cause minerals necessary for growth to drain or [The entire page is 334 words long]