Most soils are far from uniform and contain particles of different sizes. soil texture refers to the proportions of particle sizes. Texture is a very basic soil property because it strongly influences the soil's ability to retain and transmit water and air, both of which are essential to plant growth. Sandy soils may drain too rapidly and dry out quickly. At the opposite extreme, the pore spaces of clay-rich soils may be so small that they inhibit drainage, and long-lasting puddles result. Moreover, when the clay and silt content is very high, plant roots may have difficulty penetrating the soil