Final answer:
The parent material most closely associated with the Michigan sod industry is sand. Sand provides excellent drainage which is essential for robust sod growth, whereas clay has poor drainage and could negatively affect sod quality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The parent material that is most closely associated with the Michigan sod industry is sand. Sand is particularly beneficial for sod production due to its excellent drainage properties, which prevent water-logging and promote strong root development in grass. There are various types of parent materials from which soils develop, such as bedrock, sand, glacial deposits, and clay. However, the sod industry prefers a sandy base. Sandy soils are light and porous, providing easy access for roots to penetrate the soil and establishing a healthy sod. Soil types like clay, on the other hand, tend to have poor drainage and could lead to waterlogged conditions that are detrimental to sod quality.
The composition and characteristics of the native soil play a vital role in determining the texture and quality of the sod. In Michigan, the alternating layers of medium to coarse-grained sand, with thin beds of silty clay containing root structures, create a soil profile that is ideal for the sod industry. The ease with which sand-based soils can be cultivated and the favorable conditions they provide for grass root systems make them a primary choice for sod farming in Michigan.