Final answer:
Soil particles can be classified into A) sand, silt, and clay based on their sizes. Sand particles are the largest and feel gritty, while silt particles are medium-sized and feel slippery like baking powder. Clay particles are the smallest and feel smooth and slippery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Match the soil particle size to its characteristics:
- The largest soil particle (0.05–2.0 mm): Sand - Feels gritty to the touch, helps with tilth, and soils composed mainly of this type of particle drain quickly.
- Medium-sized soil particles (0.002–0.05 mm): Silt - Slippery to the touch, feels like baking powder, and soils with many of this type of particle are chemically active.
- The smallest soil particle (<0.002 mm): Clay - Does not hold soil nutrients to make them available for plant growth and feels smooth and slippery to the touch.