The Soil on Earth

Clay

Clay is soil that is very sticky because it is made up of very fine grains and small amounts of sand and humus. Of the three soil types, clay has the smallest particles. This structure allows it to store water and to dry up very slowly and hold on to plant nutrients.

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Very few plants survive the difficult conditions in areas with wet clay soil.

The color of clay soil ranges from brown to red. When it is dry, it feels smooth but turns sticky when wet. This quality makes this soil very suitable for use in construction work and in making pottery. Some plants that can grow in clay soil include cabbage, brocolli, and pears.