Which soil type is most likely to have poor drainage?

Clay soils are characterized by their fine texture and small particle size, which leads to a high degree of compaction and a reduced ability for water to infiltrate and percolate through the soil matrix. This compact nature of clay particles creates small pore spaces, making it difficult for water to move through, resulting in poor drainage. Consequently, when heavy rainfall occurs or when irrigation is applied, clay soils are more prone to waterlogging, which can adversely affect root growth and overall soil health.

In contrast, sandy soils have larger particles and more significant pore spaces, allowing for excellent drainage capabilities. Silt soils, while having better drainage than clay, can still retain moisture effectively, but not in the same way that clay does. Loamy soils, which are a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, typically provide good drainage while also retaining enough moisture for plant growth, making them the ideal soil type for agriculture. Thus, the characteristics of clay soils uniquely contribute to their poor drainage properties.