Clay Soil
/klay soyl/🪨 Soil Types● Basic
Also known as: heavy soil, clay
Clay soil contains at least 40% clay-sized particles (less than 0.002mm). It has excellent nutrient and water retention but poor drainage and aeration. When wet, clay is sticky and plastic; when dry, it becomes hard and cracks. Clay soils are slow to warm in spring and prone to compaction. Improving clay soil requires organic matter amendments, gypsum for structure, and avoiding working it when wet.
Etymology
From Old English clǣg (clay, sticky earth)
Example
“The heavy clay soil held water like a bathtub, requiring raised beds and generous compost amendments for vegetable gardening.”