Which type of soil is generally considered to have the highest fertility?

Loamy soil is considered to have the highest fertility due to its balanced composition of sand, silt, and clay. This mixture provides an optimal environment for plant growth, as it retains moisture while still allowing for good drainage and aeration. The presence of organic matter in loamy soil enhances its nutrient-holding capacity, making essential nutrients more available to plants.

In contrast, sandy soil tends to have larger particles that lead to rapid drainage and poor nutrient retention, making it less fertile overall. Clay soil, while capable of holding nutrients due to its small particles, often suffers from poor drainage and can become compacted, limiting root growth and aeration. Silty soil strikes a decent balance between sandy and clay soils in terms of fertility, but it often lacks the organic matter content that loamy soil possesses. The combination of adequate drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient availability makes loamy soil the most fertile type, suitable for a wide range of crops.