Leaching is accentuated in which soil type?

Leaching is accentuated in which soil type?

• A. Clay soils
• B. Sandy soils
• C. Silt soils
• D. Peat soils

Answer: (B)

Leaching is the downward movement of soluble substances with percolating water. In sandy soils the pore spaces are large and connected, so water drains quickly and nutrients are not retained long enough to be absorbed. Dissolved ions move readily downward beyond the root zone, making leaching most pronounced in sandy soils. Clay soils, with small pores and high surface area, hold water and nutrients more effectively, slowing leaching. Peat soils can be waterlogged and have high organic content, which also reduces downward movement under many conditions. Therefore, leaching is accentuated in sandy soils.

Leaching is the downward movement of soluble substances with percolating water. In sandy soils the pore spaces are large and connected, so water drains quickly and nutrients are not retained long enough to be absorbed. Dissolved ions move readily downward beyond the root zone, making leaching most pronounced in sandy soils. Clay soils, with small pores and high surface area, hold water and nutrients more effectively, slowing leaching. Peat soils can be waterlogged and have high organic content, which also reduces downward movement under many conditions. Therefore, leaching is accentuated in sandy soils.