Which type of soil particle is the largest?

Sand is the largest type of soil particle. Soil texture is classified based on the size of the particles, which are categorized into three main types: sand, silt, and clay. Sand particles range from 0.05 to 2.0 millimeters in diameter, making them significantly larger than silt (which ranges from 0.002 to 0.05 mm) and clay (which is less than 0.002 mm). Loam, on the other hand, is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay, and while it provides excellent fertility and drainage, it does not represent a single type of particle size. Understanding the size of soil particles is crucial, as it affects water retention, drainage, aeration, and the overall fertility of the soil, thereby influencing agricultural practices and plant growth.