Sand is an important component of soil because it helps to maintain its pH balance. The presence of sand in soil helps to reduce the acidity or alkalinity, and therefore affects the overall pH of the environment. When sand is present in a soil system, it can act as a buffer against changes in pH that could otherwise be caused by other materials such as chemical fertilizers. Sand also provides aeration for roots and allows excess water to quickly drain away from plants, which reduces their stress levels and increases their ability to take up nutrients more efficiently. Additionally, sand acts as a sponge by absorbing certain nutrient elements like calcium, magnesium and potassium which are essential for plant growth. All these factors help ensure that the ideal amount of acids (H+) or bases (OH-) are maintained within the soil so that plants can grow optimally without being harmed by extreme changes in pH level.