Name three types of soil ?

Soil types: The soil is classified on the basis of the proportion of particles of various sizes. The sizes of the particles in a soil have a very important influence on its properties. There are mainly three basic types of soils. These are:

i. Sandy soil: If soil contains greater proportion of big particles it is called sandy soil. This soil contains very little humus and it is found in desert areas. A disadvantage of this soil is that it cannot hold much of the water in it because the water gets drained out through large spaces between its particles.

ii. Clayey soil: If the proportion of fine particles is relatively higher, then it is called clayey soil. It contains mainly clay and very less humus. Clayey soil has very good water-holding capacity due to its very small and tightly packed particles. Clayey soil is very heavy and is more fertile than sandy soil.

iii. Loamy soil: If the amount of large and fine particles is about the same, then the soil is called loamy. It is a mixture of sand, clay, silt and humus in correct proportion. The excess water can also drain out through it easily. This soil has adequate air spaces between its particles to hold sufficient air needed by plant roots. It is the most fertile soil.