Which soil type typically drains water quickly?

Sandy soils typically drain water quickly due to their coarse texture and larger particle size, which creates greater spaces between the particles. This structure allows water to flow through the soil with minimal resistance, leading to rapid drainage. Sandy soils also have less ability to retain moisture and nutrients compared to other soil types, which can influence crop growth and management practices.

In contrast, clay soils, composed of very fine particles, have a tendency to hold water and can result in poor drainage. Silty soils hold moisture better due to their intermediate particle size, making them better at nutrient retention but slower in drainage. Loamy soils, known for having a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay, offer good drainage while also retaining moisture, but they do not drain as quickly as sandy soils. Therefore, sandy soil is the most effective at quick drainage.