Clay soils have a large proportion of the smallest particles and are the least suitable for plant growth. Because the particles are tightly packed, there are no spaces between them to hold enough oxygen for the plant roots and soil micro-organisms. By contrast, sandy soils have a high proportion of the largest particles, with big air spaces. Water drains through sandy soils very easily making them equally unsuitable for plants. Soils which have approximately equal proportions of sand and clay are called loams and are best for plant growth because they contain enough air and can hold moisture.
Soil erosion is one of our worst environmental problems.
Reduce demands on the soil by not wasting anything that comes from soil. Avoid pesticides which might kill soil life. Rotate the plants you grow to keep the soil healthy. I. van den Berg. Share-Net, address below.