MiniMag - The Educational Children's Magazine

Digging deeper: Taking a look at various soil types

There are many different types of soil, and they can be classified based on various factors such as texture, compositio­n and ph level. Here are some common soil types and brief descriptio­ns of each:

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SANDY SOIL

has large particles, which allow for good drainage but can lead to poor water and nutrient retention.

CLAY SOIL

has tiny particles that retain water and nutrients well but can become compacted and drain poorly when wet.

LOAM SOIL

is a balanced mixture of sand, silt and clay, offering good drainage, nutrient retention and ideal growing conditions for many plants.

SILT SOIL

has fine particles, providing good nutrient retention, but it can become easily compacted and may have drainage issues.

PEAT SOIL

is rich in organic matter and is acidic, making it ideal for certain acid-loving plants, but it can be low in nutrients.

CHALKY SOIL

is alkaline and contains high levels of calcium carbonate, which can limit nutrient availabili­ty but provides good drainage.

SALINE SOIL

has a high salt content, making it unsuitable for most plants due to its adverse effects on plant growth.

SILT LOAM

is a well-balanced combinatio­n of silt and loam, offering good drainage and nutrient retention, making it great for agricultur­e.

PEAT LOAM

is a mix of peat and loam, rich in organic matter, which is excellent for water retention and supporting plant growth.

RED CLAY SOIL

is a type of clay soil with high iron content, known for its rich colour and ability to hold moisture well.

BLACK SOIL,

also called 0ROOLVROV, is known for its high fertility due to rich organic matter and minerals, making it excellent for agricultur­e.

VOLCANIC SOIL,

or $QGLVROV, is formed from volcanic ash and is typically rich in minerals and organic matter, making it fertile for crops.

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