Understanding Soil

Mineral Particles

Sand

• large particle size - classified at 0.06 - 2mm
• weak structure
• not efficient at holding nutrients or moisture
• typically free-draining

Silt

• small particle size - classified at 0.002 - 0.06mm
• weak structure
• not efficient at holding nutrients
• good available water-holding capacity

Clay

• very small particle size - classified at < 0 - 0.002mm
• binds together to form large surface area
• efficient at holding moisture & nutrients
• causes soil to shrink (crack) and swell through drying and wetting