Types of Soil
Sandy Soil
Sandy soil, also known as light soil, contains a low percentage of clay compared to the high percentage of sand it contains. On the positive side, this soil is easy to cultivate and work with. However, its downside is that it dries quickly after being watered by rain or irrigation and loses a lot of its nutrients due to rainwater runoff. This makes it acidic in nature and causes it to heat up quickly during the spring compared to clay soil.
Loamy Soil
Loamy soil is formed from a mixture of clay, sand, and silt. This composition avoids the extremes found in clay or sandy soils. Loamy soil is fertile, drains well, and is easy to work with. There are two types of loamy soil: sandy loam, where sand dominates over clay, and clay loam, where clay dominates over sand.
Clay Soil
Clay soil contains approximately 25% clay. It is rich in nutrients and has large pores that allow it to store significant amounts of water. This enables it to retain moisture and stay cool during the winter. However, clay soil takes longer to dry in the summer and may develop cracks on its surface when it dries during the hot season.
Silty Soil
Silty soil is highly fertile and lightweight. It is similar to loamy soil in having medium-sized pores, which help it retain adequate moisture. However, the downside of these pores is that they make it prone to drainage issues, especially during heavy rainfall.
Peaty Soil
Peaty soil is acidic in nature, which prevents the decomposition of organic matter. This results in a high content of peat (organic matter). However, it is very low in nutrients. Peaty soil retains moisture well, except for water on its surface, which may dry quickly, particularly during spring.
Chalky Soil
Chalky soil is alkaline, with a pH level of 7.5 or higher. It contains many rocks, making it prone to losing water easily. It also lacks essential minerals like iron and manganese, which makes it unsuitable for growing plants. However, its quality can be improved by adding fertilizers.
