What are the Advantages and disadvantages of clay soil and sandy soil?

Answer 1

Clay soils have both advantages and disadvantages. The most common complaint about clay soil is that it

has poor drainage. Soil drainage refers to the movement of water down through the soil, not how fast water

runs off the surface. Because clay soils have poor drainage, the soil tends to stay wet and soggy after rain

or irrigation. While it is wet, it can easily become compacted. When it finally dries out, it cracks into hard,

unworkable clods. Clay soils also have poor aeration, compared to sandier soil. Because the soil particles

are small and closely spaced, it is very difficult for air to enter or leave the soil. Plant's roots exchange a

large volume of gasses and this exchange is not always possible in clay soil. Clay soils are also naturally

alkaline. This condition makes certain nutrients unavailable to plants causing diseases such as iron chlorosis.

Finally, it is difficult for a plant's roots to penetrate the clay and spread out. In spite of this, clay soils

do have some advantages. Clay soil is typically very high in nutrient reserves, reducing the need for fertilization.

Also, because clay retains water, plants growing in it are often more drought tolerant than plants

growing in sandy soil.