What is the largest particle size of soil?

The largest particle size of soil is sand. Soil is classified into different categories based on particle size, and these categories include clay, silt, sand, and loam.

Sand comprises the largest of these particles, with a diameter typically ranging from 0.05 to 2 millimeters. This larger size allows sand to drain water quickly and provides good aeration, making it suitable for certain types of plants. In contrast, clay particles are much smaller (less than 0.002 millimeters), which results in a denser texture and limits water drainage and aeration. Silt particles are intermediate in size, falling in between sand and clay. Loam is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay, and is known for having beneficial properties for agriculture due to its balanced texture.

Understanding the sizes of these particles helps in soil classification, which is crucial for managing soil health and making informed agricultural decisions.