Sandy soils dry out faster and warm up quicker in the spring. They can be worked in the spring or after a rain sooner, with less damage to their structure. Sandy soils drain quickly and do not become water logged. These soils have large pore spaces for air storage. Because sandy soils have large pore spaces, water and minerals can quickly leach out of the root zone and into the deeper soil horizons or water table.
Plants are more likely to experience nutrient and water deficiencies.
Water and fertilizers need to be applied in smaller doses, more frequently. Clay soils have a high water holding capacity. Clay particles, which are negatively charged, attract and bind positively charged minerals for future use. Clay soils stay warmer longer in the fall. Clay particles are the smallest sized soil particles.