Science · Soils
Silt Loam
Smooth, fertile soil high in silt — productive but prone to crusting and compaction.
Soil texture class
Profile
- Silt content
- 50%+
- Drainage
- Moderate to slow
- Water holding
- High
- CEC
- Moderate
Water & soil targets
- Moisture (VWC)
- Field capacity ~28–36%; wilting point ~10–14%
- Salinity tolerance
- Moderate
- Drought tolerance
- Good
High plant-available water; slow infiltration means runoff if applied too fast.
Problems to watch
- Crusting
- Compaction
- Runoff
Stress signs
- Puddling
- Surface sealing
Where you'll find it
- Agriculture
- Parks
More soils
All Science profilesGeneral agronomic guidance and typical ranges; actual targets vary by site, soil, climate and season.