Environmental Tech: Types of Soil

Types of Soil

By Marc Lemieux

Clay Soil:

Clay soils are soils that are composed of primarily clay . In order to be classified as one, it has to be made up of at least 50% clay. It is considered a heavier soil.
Clay soil is very moist, and can handle large amounts of moisture. However, it is recommended that you water it less often than other soils, as extra water is not necessary. It is not very good for planting, because many plants cannot tolerate it. Despite this, it is considered a great soil for roots, as it is easy for them to get into the ground and hold the plant there. Clay soil contains many different industrial materials, so it is fit for industrial processes.
Clay soil forms gradually over time through the weathering of rocks. The only places it can be formed are continental and marine sediments, soil horizons, weathering rock formations and volcanic deposits. It is generally composed of several minerals that deposit together and form clay deposits over time. Clay soil particles have diameters less than 0.002 mm.

Silty Soil:

Silty soil is a type of soil that is fertile and very smooth. It retains moisture very well, and easily drains the water. It can store nutrients better than clay soil due to its compactable nature. However, it is not that great for planting as it is very weak and it’s compactable nature causes it to become easily waterlogged. Waterlogged soil prevents air from traveling through the soil, and prevents plants from getting necessary nutrients. Silty soils are not good for industrial processes, as the processes can end up clogging the waterways and ecosystems with silt.

Silt is a solid and dust-like sediment created when rock is eroded by water or ice. Silty soil is made up of at least 80% silt. In order to be classified as silt, the particles must be 0.005 cm each across. This is important because it shows how weak and small the soil is.

Loamy:

Loamy soil is a soil made up of a mixture of sand, clay, silt and some humus. It is considered a near perfect soil for planting due to it’s contents, high calcium levels, and the fact that it is very well aerated. It is able to retain moisture very well, but also has very good drainage. This soil is considered ideal for building processes as it is filled with nutrients and is very strong.

Loamy soil is formed by the weathering of clay-rich rocks. It consists of 45% percent soil mineral particles, 5 percent organic matter, 25% air, and 25% water by volume. This shows not only the variety of content in loamy soils, but also how strong the soil is.

Sandy:

Sandy soils are soils with gritty textures and that are filled with sand. It is considered one of the worst soils for growing plants, because their particles are so big, preventing the soil from retaining moisture. This makes it extremely difficult for roots to establish in sandy soils. Sandy soils are not considered good for building, due to its dryness and lack of density. Sandy soils are created by the weathering of sand deposits.

Sandy soils can have a particle thickness between 0.05 mm (if it is very fine), or 2.0 mm (if it is very coarse. Sandy soil is the thickest of all the soils. Sandy soil is primarily made up of sand, which is why it is so thick.

Peaty:

Peaty soil is a soil that is usually between dark brown and black in color. It is rich in moisture but has weak drainage and must be assisted with drainage. It is considered one of the better soils for planting, as its high water and nutrient content keep plants healthy even during dry seasons, and it has high levels of organic matter. The acid level of peaty soil is somewhat high, but this is mostly a good thing as it controls plant diseases.

Peaty soil is considered totally unsuitable for construction and building, because they have a very low bearing capacity and are susceptible to shrinkage due to their lacking drainage ability. Peaty soils are made up of primarily organic matter. It is also fertile. This is important because it shows the healthiness of the soil, as well as its lack of strength.

The image shown is a picture of a house built on peaty soil that experienced heavy shrinkage.

Chalky:

Chalky soil is a soil that is filled with chalk. It has very low water content but high limestone content, and has a pH level of 7.5. As a result it is considered alkali, which causes yellow and stunted plants. This means it is not good at all for planting. However, it is considered good for building processes as it doesn’t retain moisture and changes shape during the seasons. Chalky soil is created by the eroding of limestone deposits.

Chalky soils have a high lime content and high chalk content. This shows both the strength of the soil as well as its infertility. Chalky soils lack organic material and the ability to retain moisture which keeps plants healthy, but it’s strength helps to keep the ground together and allows for strength during building.

Sources:
Clay Soil:
"Types of Soil." 6 You Should Know Before Planting. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2016."The Dirt on Dirt - Clay." Proven Winners. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2016.
Lanning, Kyle. "How Is Clay Soil Formed?" EHow. Demand Media, n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2016.

"Plants For Clay Soil | A Homesteader's Guide." Homesteading HQ Pioneer Settler. N.p., 04 June 2015. Web. 19 Jan. 2016. (Image)

Silty: