FOOD TECHNOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Soil particles vary greatly in size, and soil scientists classify soil particles into sand, silt, and clay. Starting with the finest, clay particles are smaller than 0.002 mm in diameter. Some clay particles are so small that ordinary microscopes do not show them. Silt particles are from 0.002 to 0.05 mm in diameter.

Detailed explanation-2: -Soils with the finest texture are called clay soils, while soils with the coarsest texture are called sands. However, a soil that has a relatively even mixture of sand, silt, and clay and exhibits the properties from each separate is called a loam.

Detailed explanation-3: -Clay and silt particles hold more water and plant nutrients along their surfaces than sand particles. Soil texture is an inherent property of a soil, and does not change under different management practices.

Detailed explanation-4: -Considered the most fertile of soil type, loamy soils are a combination of sandy, clay and silt particles. The clay and silt particles improve moisture retention while the sand minimizes compaction and improves drainage.