What does loamy sand typically form when handled?

Loamy sand is a soil texture that consists of a mixture of sand, silt, and a smaller amount of clay. When this type of soil is handled, it generally has the properties of both sand and a bit of clay, leading to its characterization as being somewhat cohesive but not overly plastic.

The correct answer indicates that when loamy sand is shaped, it forms a weak cast that crumbles easily. This is due to the high sand content, which provides good drainage and firmness to the structure but lacks the cohesive traits that clay offers. The small amount of clay in loamy sand contributes some binding capacity, but it's insufficient to create a strong, durable structure. As a result, if pressure is applied, the weak cast made from loamy sand won’t hold its shape well and will crumble apart, demonstrating its relatively low cohesion in comparison to heavier clay soils.

In contrast, a weak ribbon or sticky ribbon would imply a greater clay content that offers more plasticity and cohesion, which is not typical of loamy sand. A very durable cast would suggest a stronger and more cohesive soil, again not aligning with loamy sand's characteristics.