What characterizes a coarse soil?

Coarse soil is characterized by a high sand content. This type of soil typically has larger particle sizes compared to other soil types like clay and silt. The larger particles in sandy soil allow for better drainage and aeration, making it easier for plants to establish root systems. Coarse soils tend to retain less moisture than finer soils, which can be advantageous for certain types of plants that prefer well-drained conditions.

The properties of coarse soil also contribute to its texture and structure, which impacts its ability to hold nutrients and water. It is important to recognize that while high clay content leads to fine soil that retains water, and high silt content falls somewhere in between, coarse soils are distinctly identified by their predominance of sand. Additionally, high organic matter content is more characteristic of loam or other soil types, which typically benefit from a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay.