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Soil type
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In terms of soil texture, soil type usually refers to the different sizes of mineral particles in a particular sample. Soil is made up in part of finely ground rock particles, grouped according to size as sand, silt, and clay. Each size plays a significantly different role.
For example, the largest particles, sand, determine aeration and drainage characteristics, while the tiniest, sub-microscopic clay particles, are chemically active, binding with water and plant nutrients. The ratio of these sizes determines soil type: clay, loam, clay-loam, silt-loam, and so on.
Many different types of soil consist of clay, pebbles, gravel, sand, and other minerals. Not all types of soil are permeable. Many fine grained-soils have been broken down for many decades and have become tiny. For example, a pebble once was a big rock. In this case, big rocks became small due to the effects of ocean waves upon the rocks.
There are many recognized soil classifications, both international and national.