What kind of soil is typically resistant to erosion?

Clay soil with high organic matter content is typically resistant to erosion due to several important factors. Clay particles are very small and have a strong cohesion, allowing them to hold together more tightly than larger particles found in sandy soils. This property reduces the likelihood of soil being displaced by wind or water.

The addition of organic matter further enhances this stability. Organic matter contributes to the formation of soil aggregates or clumps, which creates a soil structure that improves cohesiveness and increases the soil's resistance to erosive forces. High organic content also improves the soil's water-holding capacity, allowing it to retain moisture even in heavy rains, thereby reducing runoff and erosion.

In contrast, sandy soil, which contains larger particles and less cohesion, is more easily moved by wind and water. Fertile soil with a high pH and loamy soil with good drainage also have their strengths, but they do not inherently possess the same level of resistance to erosion as clay soils rich in organic matter. Fertility and drainage characteristics pertain more to nutrient availability and water movement rather than erosion resistance.