Differentiate clayey, loamy and sandy soil.
Differentiate clayey, loamy and sandy soil.
Soil: The uppermost layer of the Earth's land surface (lithosphere) that is composed of inorganic minerals and organic material is called soil.
Based on the composition and quantity of inorganic and organic material, it can be classified into:
Clayey soil: This is the soil type that is comprised of very fine mineral particles and not much organic material. There isn't much space present between the minerals, that give it its clayey consistency. This type of soil swells and shrinks in response to the presence or absence of water.
Loamy soil: This soil contains almost equal proportions of sand, silt, and clay. The percentage of clay may vary depending upon the geographical region.
Sandy soil: This soil has a very high proportion of sand in comparison to other organic components. It is extremely dry and has a very low water-retention capacity.
Properties
Clayey soil
Loamy soil
Sandy soil
Composition It contains a large number of clay particles and a very small amount of humus and silt. It contains clay, silt, sand, and humus. Hence, this soil has good water holding capacity. It contains a large number of sand particles and a very small amount of silt and clay. Moisture content This soil is so compact that it cannot trap air. But it can hold water. It is very sticky. It is good for cultivation due to the presence of minerals. It is porous in nature and hence allows to trap trapping of air for aeration of roots. This type of soil is found in desert areas. This type of soil cannot hold water.
Soil: The uppermost layer of the Earth's land surface (lithosphere) that is composed of inorganic minerals and organic material is called soil.
Based on the composition and quantity of inorganic and organic material, it can be classified into:
Clayey soil: This is the soil type that is comprised of very fine mineral particles and not much organic material. There isn't much space present between the minerals, that give it its clayey consistency. This type of soil swells and shrinks in response to the presence or absence of water.
Loamy soil: This soil contains almost equal proportions of sand, silt, and clay. The percentage of clay may vary depending upon the geographical region.
Sandy soil: This soil has a very high proportion of sand in comparison to other organic components. It is extremely dry and has a very low water-retention capacity.
Properties | Clayey soil | Loamy soil | Sandy soil |
| Composition | It contains a large number of clay particles and a very small amount of humus and silt. | It contains clay, silt, sand, and humus. Hence, this soil has good water holding capacity. | It contains a large number of sand particles and a very small amount of silt and clay. |
| Moisture content | This soil is so compact that it cannot trap air. But it can hold water. It is very sticky. It is good for cultivation due to the presence of minerals. | It is porous in nature and hence allows to trap trapping of air for aeration of roots. | This type of soil is found in desert areas. This type of soil cannot hold water. |
