Final answer:
The most suitable soil texture for minimizing pollution risk is a loam soil because it provides a balanced environment for water and nutrient retention, thereby reducing runoff and leaching of pollutants.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ideal texture for a soil to minimize the risk of pollution is D) Is a loam soil. A loam soil has a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay along with organic matter, which improves soil structure and provides optimal water and mineral retention to promote and sustain plant life.
Soil texture is crucial as it influences the soil's water retention capacity and its filtration ability. Sandy soils drain quickly but don't hold nutrients well, whereas clay soils hold water and nutrients due to their fine particles but may not allow for adequate water infiltration and air movement. Silt soils, with particles between sand and clay size, also have specific water and nutrient retention properties. Loam soils combine these characteristics to provide a balance that supports plant growth while minimizing pollution risk by preventing excess water runoff and potential leaching of pollutants. Therefore, a loam soil's mixture of particle sizes and organic matter is most effective at minimizing pollution.
The presence of humus and various particle sizes in loam soils also supports a diverse ecosystem of microorganisms which are essential for soil health and fertility. Organic matter, especially humus, not only enriches the soil with nutrients but also enhances its moisture retention capabilities.