Which type of soil is more effective at reducing nutrient leaching?

Clay soil is recognized for its effectiveness at reducing nutrient leaching due to its small particle size and compact structure. The fine particles in clay create a dense, cohesive mass that holds onto nutrients and water more tightly than other soil types. This property reduces the rate at which nutrients can wash away with water moving through the soil profile.

Clay soil has a high cation exchange capacity (CEC), which means it can retain positively charged ions like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, essential for plant growth. Because of this ability, clay soils are particularly good at holding onto these nutrients, preventing them from leaching away when it rains or during irrigation.

In contrast, sandy soils have larger particles and a more open structure, which allows water to drain quickly, often leading to nutrient leaching. Loamy soils, while they balance sand, silt, and clay, may not retain nutrients as efficiently as clay soils, especially under certain conditions. Peaty soils are rich in organic matter but can also lose nutrients significantly through leaching, particularly if they are not properly managed.