What type of soil contains equal amounts of sand, silt, and clay?

Loamy soil is characterized by a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, which creates an ideal growing medium for most plants. This balanced composition allows for good drainage through the sand, adequate moisture retention thanks to the clay, and nutrient-holding capacity provided by silt. The combination results in soil that is fertile and easy to work with, making loamy soil highly desirable for gardening and agriculture.

In contrast, clay soil is predominantly made up of fine clay particles, leading to compactness and poor drainage. Sandy soil contains larger particulates and drains quickly, but it often lacks the nutrients necessary for robust plant growth. Peaty soil has a high organic matter content and is more acidic, which can limit the types of plants that thrive in it. This understanding highlights the specific advantages of loamy soil in agricultural practices.