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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.

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What are the 15 types of soil?

Sandy soil , loamy sand , sandy loam , meduim loam , sand clay loam , silt loam , clay , sandy clay , clay loam , silt clay loam , silty clay loam , silty clay , sily , peat moss , chalk soil and limestone soil by Katie h n Katie d


Is clay less porous than sandy soil?

Clay soil is generally more porous than sandy soil because clay particles are smaller and have more surface area for water retention. However, clay soil can become waterlogged more easily due to its fine particle size, which can restrict water drainage compared to sandy soil.


What are kinds of soil?

There are three main types of soil: sandy soil, clay soil, and loamy soil. Sandy soil has larger particles and drains quickly, while clay soil has tiny particles and retains water. Loamy soil is a mix of sand, silt, and clay, making it ideal for growing a variety of plants.


Why would a sandy soil have a greater porosity than a clay soil?

Sandy soil has larger particles with more space between them, so it has a greater porosity than clay soil, which has smaller particles packed more closely together. This means that water and air can move more freely through sandy soil, giving it better drainage and aeration compared to clay soil.


What gets more eroded clay soil or sandy soil?

Sandy soil typically erodes more easily than clay soil because sandy soil particles are larger and less cohesive, making them more susceptible to being carried away by wind or water. Clay soil has smaller particles that are more tightly packed, which helps to hold it together better and reduce erosion.

Related Questions

What are the 15 types of soil?

Sandy soil , loamy sand , sandy loam , meduim loam , sand clay loam , silt loam , clay , sandy clay , clay loam , silt clay loam , silty clay loam , silty clay , sily , peat moss , chalk soil and limestone soil by Katie h n Katie d


What are the types of soil?

Clay soil, Sandy soil, Loam soil.


Is clay less porous than sandy soil?

Clay soil is generally more porous than sandy soil because clay particles are smaller and have more surface area for water retention. However, clay soil can become waterlogged more easily due to its fine particle size, which can restrict water drainage compared to sandy soil.


Would clay or sandy soil keep animals alive in a drought?

yes sandy soil would (:


What does sandy soil have better than clay soil?

it has better texture


Why clay soil are fertlie than sandy soil?

Clay soils hold more nutrients, while sandy soils quickly have their nutrients leached by rain.


What are kinds of soil?

There are three main types of soil: sandy soil, clay soil, and loamy soil. Sandy soil has larger particles and drains quickly, while clay soil has tiny particles and retains water. Loamy soil is a mix of sand, silt, and clay, making it ideal for growing a variety of plants.


Why is sandy soil more ideal to put under a cement slab than clay soil?

sandy soil drains water


What is sandy soil made of?

clay silt and sand


The advantages and disadvantages of living in a floodplain?

Advantages: fertile soil Disadvantages: floods


is loam sandy soil or clay soil best for plant growth?

Loam soil is better


Why would a sandy soil have a greater porosity than a clay soil?

Sandy soil has larger particles with more space between them, so it has a greater porosity than clay soil, which has smaller particles packed more closely together. This means that water and air can move more freely through sandy soil, giving it better drainage and aeration compared to clay soil.