Which soil type has an intermediate surface area for adsorptive sites compared to sand and clay?

Silt is characterized by its intermediate particle size, falling between sand and clay in the soil texture triangle. This unique size gives silt a surface area that provides a balance of properties. While sand has larger particles and therefore lower surface area and adsorptive capacity, and clay has very fine particles with high surface area and great adsorptive capacity, silt's surface area is moderate.

This characteristic allows silt to retain moisture better than sand, which is beneficial for plant growth, yet it does not hold as much moisture as clay, thus preventing issues like waterlogging. Consequently, silt serves as a crucial component in soil health and fertility, influencing nutrient retention and availability in a way that sand and clay cannot achieve on their own. High clay content can compact, leading to poor drainage, while sandy soils may not retain enough moisture, making silt a vital middle ground for effective soil management.