TYPES OF SOIL

SANDY SOIL
Sandy Soil is light, warm, dry and tends to be acidic and low in nutrients. Sandy
soils are often known as light soils due to their high proportion of sand and little
clay (clay weighs more than sand). These soils have quick water drainage and are
easy to work with.
Sandy soils offer both benefits and disadvantages when compared to clay soils.
They may require more water, more fertilizer and more amending, but they are
much easier to work with and many plants prefer this type of soil.
PLANTS THAT CAN GROW: Lavender, Rosemary, Sedum, Russian Sage and Yarrow.
Where it can be found: Coastal regions, deserts, and areas with high sand content

CLAY SOIL
Clay soils contain more than 30 percent fine clay particles. Clays swell and shrink
as they wet and dry, effectively cultivating themselves. Clay soils take longer to
warm up in spring. Wet clay soils are easily damaged when dug or walked on.
Drought is much less damaging on clay soils than others soil types.
Clay soils provide a wonderful foundation for plants by anchoring roots securely in
the soil.
PLANTS THAT CAN GROW: Mostly flowering plants like hosta, coneflower, daylily,
roses, hydrangea and geranium.
Where it can be found: River valleys, floodplains, and areas with ancient
sedimentary deposits

SILT SOIL
Silt Soil is a light and moisture retentive soil type with a high fertility rating. As silt
soils compromise of medium sized particles they are well drained and hold
moisture well. As the particles are fine, they can be easily compacted and are
prone to washing away with rain.
It also contains rock and other mineral fragments. It also holds water better than
sand because of its fine texture. It is also good for agriculture due to the above-
mentioned properties. Even though this soil is fertile, it can't hold as many
nutrients but it can retain water for a longer period of time.
PLANTS THAT CAN GROW: Shrubs, climbers, grasses and perennials such as
Mahonia, New Zealand flax. Moisture-loving trees such as Willow, Birch, Dogwood
and Cypress do well in silty soils. Most vegetable and fruit crops thrive in silty
soils, crops such as lettuce, rice, cabbage and artichoke can also be grown. And
trees such as willow and poplar grow here too.
Where it can be found: Riverbanks, floodplains, and areas with fine sediment
deposits.

LOAM SOIL
Loam is soil — rich soil — that is a mix of sand, clay, and various organic materials.
Loam is often used to make bricks. Loam is a type of soil that's got a lot going on:
loam contains clay, sand, and decaying organic substances. This combination
makes loam particularly useful as a building material.
It is well suited for cultivation. Roots of plants get enough water, air, and space to
grow.
Loamy soil is ideal for most garden plants because it holds plenty of moisture but
also drains well so that sufficient air can reach the roots.
Good loam soil can be made using topsoil mixed with organic matter to hold
moisture and nutrients.
PLANTS THAT CAN GROW: crops such as wheat, sugarcane, cotton, jute, pulses,
oilseeds, and vegetables.
Where it can be found: Various regions worldwide, often in agricultural areas with
good organic matter content.

PEAT SOIL
Peat soils are formed by the natural accumulation of partially decayed biomass
and are the largest reserves of terrestrial organic carbon
Why is peat used in gardening?

Peat moss is soilless but is often added to soil to lighten, aerate, and
help retain moisture. Although peat moss is good for keeping in
moisture and aerating the soil, peat moss is not often used for lawns
since its acidity hinders grass growth and can kill earthworms
PLANTS THAT CAN GROW: Crops such as potatoes, sugar beet, celery, onions,
carrots, lettuce and market garden crops
5 Pros and Cons of Peat Soil
Peat soil is a useful soil amendment for potting soil, but it comes at a
high cost.

1. 1. Peat soil prevents compaction. Peat soil can increase aeration in

your organic soil mix and allow your plants’ roots room to
breathe.
2. 2. Peat soil is pathogen-free. Unlike untreated compost, peat soil is a
good option for seed starting as it rarely contains harmful
microorganisms like weed seeds or bad bacteria.
3. 3. Peat soil retains moisture. The organic materials in peat soil lock
moisture in, making it a useful soil amendment for drier soil types
like sandy soil.
4. 4. Peat soil is acidic. Peat soil has low pH levels and it can improve
soil conditions in alkaline soils—especially for plants that thrive
with higher levels of acidity like blueberries and azaleas.
5. 5. Peat soil is a non-renewable resource. The most significant downside
to peat soil is that it is an unsustainable, non-renewable
resource. Harvesting peat soil can contribute to climate change
by releasing greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide and
methane into the air. Consider opting for a more environmentally
friendly soil amendment option like compost, organic mulch like
pine needles, or coco coir, a byproduct of the coconut processing
industry.
Where it can be found: Wetlands, bogs, and marshes in regions with
high rainfall and abundant organic material accumulation