Which soil type is most susceptible to nutrient leaching?

Sand is the soil type most susceptible to nutrient leaching due to its coarse texture and larger particle size, which create larger spaces between the particles. These larger pores allow water to drain rapidly through the soil. As water moves quickly, it carries away soluble nutrients, such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, more efficiently than soils with finer textures.

In contrast, silt and clay retain water and nutrients more effectively. Silt has a finer texture than sand but not as fine as clay, resulting in moderate nutrient retention. Clay, with its very fine particles and compact structure, has a high capacity for water and nutrient retention because the small spaces between the particles hold moisture and nutrients more tightly, making them less prone to leaching. Loam, being a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, also provides a good balance of moisture retention and drainage, further reducing the risk of nutrient leaching compared to sandy soils.