Which type of soil particle is considered fine and contributes to soil fertility?

Silt particles are considered fine, with their size ranging from 0.002 to 0.05 millimeters, which allows them to retain moisture and nutrients effectively. This characteristic makes silt crucial for soil fertility because it can hold onto essential nutrients that plants need to grow.

Silt's ability to retain water without becoming waterlogged enables it to provide a conducive environment for root development and microbial activity, both of which are essential for healthy plant growth. Additionally, the small size of silt particles creates a larger surface area relative to their volume, enhancing their capacity to absorb and hold onto beneficial substances like minerals and organic matter.

In contrast, while clay is also fine and contributes to nutrient retention, it can become compacted and restrict root growth due to its very small particle size and increased water retention, often leading to poor drainage. Sand, on the other hand, consists of larger particles that do not hold moisture or nutrients well, which limits its contribution to soil fertility. Loam, being a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, is highly fertile but would not solely represent the fine particle type discussed. Thus, silt stands out as the fine particle that directly supports soil fertility effectively.