Which soil particle is largest?

The largest soil particle is sand. Soil is composed of different particle sizes, which are categorized into three main types: clay, silt, and sand. Among these, sand particles are the coarsest and largest, typically ranging from 0.05 mm to 2 mm in diameter.

Understanding particle size is crucial because it influences soil properties such as drainage, aeration, and nutrient retention. For example, sand allows for increased drainage due to its larger spaces between particles, while clay has very small particles that create dense, compact soil that retains moisture. Silt lies between sand and clay in terms of particle size and exhibits properties of both, but it is still smaller than sand.

Loam, on the other hand, is not a type of particle but a soil texture that is a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay. It is often regarded as ideal for cultivation due to its fertility and ability to retain moisture while providing good drainage. Therefore, while loam has beneficial qualities, it cannot be compared in size terms to sand, silt, or clay, as it is a composition of them.