* Good drainage: The sand particles allow water to drain freely, preventing waterlogging.
* Good aeration: The spaces between the particles allow for good air circulation, essential for plant roots.
* Good water retention: The silt and clay particles hold onto water, providing moisture for plants.
* Good nutrient holding capacity: The clay particles hold onto nutrients, making them available to plants.
Loam is considered ideal for growing most plants due to its balanced properties.
Key points to remember:
* Loam is a mixture, not a specific particle size.
* The proportions of sand, silt, and clay can vary within loam.
* Different types of loam exist, with varying percentages of each particle size, leading to different properties.
* Not all soils are loam. Some soils are predominantly sandy, silty, or clay-like, and have different characteristics.
By understanding the definition of loam and its properties, you can better understand the needs of your plants and choose the right soil for your garden.