Clay

Definition

Clay is a fine-grained natural soil material containing clay minerals. It has high plasticity when wet and can hold water and nutrients effectively.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Clay particles are less than 0.002 mm in diameter.
2. It is known for its ability to retain water and nutrients, making it important for plant growth.
3. Clay soils have high cation exchange capacity (CEC), allowing them to hold onto essential nutrients.
4. They often become compacted easily, which can affect root penetration and aeration.
5. Proper management of clay soils includes practices like adding organic matter to improve structure.

Review Questions

• What is the size of clay particles?
• Why is clay important for plant nutrition?
• How does clay affect soil aeration and root penetration?

Related terms

Silt: Silt particles are larger than clay but smaller than sand, with sizes between 0.002 mm and 0.05 mm.

Loam: Loam is a balanced soil mixture of sand, silt, and clay, ideal for most plants due to its fertility and good drainage properties.

Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC): CEC measures a soil's ability to hold positively charged ions (cations), which is crucial for nutrient availability in the soil.