Characteristics

Sandy loam soils have visible particles of sand mixed into the soil. When sandy loams soils are
compressed, they hold their shape but break apart easily. Sandy loam soils have a high
concentration of sand that gives them a gritty feel. In gardens and lawns, sandy loam soils are
capable of quickly draining excess water but can not hold significant amounts of water or
nutrients for your plants. Plants grown in this type of soil will require more frequent irrigation
and fertilization than soils with a higher concentration of clay and sediment. Sandy loam soils are
often deficient in specific micronutrients and may require additional fertilization to support
healthy plant growth.

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Most plants grow best in loamy soils, according to Purdue University. Sandy loam soil has more
sand than a normal loam soil, and the sand content alters its drainage, texture and ability to retain
nutrients. Gardeners may want to amend sandy soil to make it less sandy, or plant specific crops
that grow well in sandy conditions.

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Soil texture classification

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Soil texture triangle, showing the 12 major textural classes, and particle size scales as defined by the
USDA.

Soil textures are classified by the fractions of each soil separate (sand, silt, and clay) present in a
soil. Classifications are typically named for the primary constituent particle size or a combination
of the most abundant particles sizes, e.g. "sandy clay" or "silty clay." A fourth term, loam, is
used to describe a roughly equal concentration of sand, silt, and clay, and lends to the naming of
even more classifications, e.g. "clay loam" or "silt loam."

In the United States, twelve major soil texture classifications are defined by the USDA.

Determining the soil textures is often aided with the use of a soil texture triangle.'

Soil texture is a qualitative classification tool used in both the field and laboratory to determine classes
for agricultural soils based on their physical texture. The classes are distinguished in the field by the
'textural feel' which can be further clarified by separating the relative proportions of sand, silt and clay
using grading sieves: The Particle-size distribution (PSD). The class is then used to determine crop
suitability and to approximate the soils responses to environmental and management conditions such as
drought or calcium (lime) requirements. A qualitative rather than a quantitative tool it is a fast, simple
and effective means to assess the soils physical characteristics. Although the U.S.D.A. system uses 12
classes whilst the U.K.-ADAS uses just 11, the systems are mutually compatible as shown in the
combined soil textural triangle below.