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Clay loam is a type of soil characterized by a mixture of clay, silt, and sand particles. It provides a detailed description of soil structure, biological activity, and consistency, aiding in soil interpretation from both geomorphic and agronomic perspectives.
- Clay Loam Soils
Clay-loam soils, with a high percentage of clay and high...
- Clay Loam Soils
When a soil contains a mixture of grain sizes, the soil is called a loam (figure 1). When soil scientists want to precisely determine soil type, they measure the percentage of sand, silt, and clay. They plot this information on a triangular diagram, with each size particle at one corner (figure 2).
Loam is a mixture of clay, sand and silt and benefits from the qualities of these 3 different textures, favouring water retention, air circulation, drainage and fertility. These soils are fertile, easy to work with and provide good drainage.
Clay-loam soils, with a high percentage of clay and high cation-exchange capacity (CEC), seem to be the best choice for fertigation with OMWW. In addition, the carbonate content of the soil is important in order to exert efficient buffer power and avoid drastic changes in the pH value.
Soil texture refers to the proportions of sand (2.0 – 0.05 mm in diameter), silt (0.05 – 0.002 mm), and clay (less than 0.002 mm). The relative proportions determine the textural class. Soil texture influences nearly every aspect of soil use and management.
Loam (in geology and soil science) is soil composed mostly of sand (particle size > 63 micrometres (0.0025 in)), silt (particle size > 2 micrometres (7.9 × 10 −5 in)), and a smaller amount of clay (particle size < 2 micrometres (7.9 × 10 −5 in)).
The Soil Texture Pyramid shows the ratio of particles within the soil. Loam (40% sand, 40% silt, 20% clay) is considered the best soil type for growing crops. It is said to be the most arable. Any soil type that contains loam is considered arable.
