but do not provide soils with many nutrients. Clay-rich soils, on the other hand, increase water holding capacity and provide many plant essential nutrients. A common measure of soil fertility is ...

Clay-rich soils have low saturated hydraulic conductivity due to a highly tortuous flow path. Conversely, sandy soils have larger pores and lower tortuosity that facilitate rapid water flow.

Clay soil is usually sticky and has small particles ... It's made from very old decayed plants and is dark, crumbly and rich in nutrients.