Clay soil: Clay soil has small particles that hold water and nutrients well but can become compacted and heavy when wet. It feels sticky and can be molded easily when moist.
Sandy soil: Sandy soil has larger particles and feels gritty. It drains quickly and does not retain water and nutrients well. It is often lighter in color and has poor fertility unless supplemented with organic matter.
Silt soil: Silt soil has fine particles that are smaller than sand but larger than clay. It has moderate water-holding capacity and good fertility. Silt soil feels smooth and powdery when dry but becomes slippery when wet.
Loam soil: Loam soil is a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay particles. It has good water drainage, retains moisture, and provides good nutrient availability. Loam soil is generally considered the ideal soil type for gardening and agriculture.
Peat soil: Peat soil is composed mainly of partially decomposed organic matter. It is usually dark brown or black and retains a significant amount of moisture. Peat soil is acidic and is commonly found in wetland areas.
Chalky soil: Chalky soil contains a high proportion of calcium carbonate. It is alkaline and typically has a pale color. Chalky soil drains well but can be shallow and nutrient-poor, requiring additional amendments for plant growth.