Sand
-Texture is gritty
- Characteristics Sand is visible to the naked eye, consists of particles with low surface area, and permits excessive drainage
Silt
- Texture is buttery
- Characteristics Silt is not visible to the naked eye and increases the water holding capacity of soil.
Clay
-Texture is sticky
- Characteristics Clay has a high surface area, high water holding capacity, many small pores, and possesses charged surfaces to attract and hold nutrients