Science · Soils
Loam
The gardener's ideal: a balanced mix of sand, silt and clay with good structure, fertility and water holding.
Soil texture class
Profile
- Mix
- ~40% sand, 40% silt, 20% clay
- Drainage
- Moderate
- Water holding
- Good
- CEC
- Moderate
Water & soil targets
- Moisture (VWC)
- Field capacity ~24–32%; wilting point ~10–14%
- Salinity tolerance
- Moderate
- Drought tolerance
- Good
Holds water well; avoid saturation that removes oxygen.
Problems to watch
- Compaction
- Waterlogging when overwatered
Stress signs
- Surface crusting
- Slow drying after rain
Where you'll find it
- Parks and campuses
- Crops
- Gardens
More soils
All Science profilesGeneral agronomic guidance and typical ranges; actual targets vary by site, soil, climate and season.