Which describes sand? – fine-grained – retains water – water drains quickly – good for growing crops – KUBAN
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct answer: water drains quickly
Explanation
Sand is a type of soil that is made up of large, coarse particles. It is one of the basic soil types, along with silt and clay. The main characteristic that describes sand is that water drains quickly through it. This happens because the particles in sand are larger and do not pack closely together. This creates large spaces or pores between the grains, allowing water to pass through very easily.
Unlike clay or silt, sand does not retain water well. When you pour water on sandy soil, it flows through quickly and does not stay near the surface. This is helpful in areas where too much water could harm plant roots, but it also means that plants may not get enough moisture if the soil is too sandy. Because of its quick-draining nature, sandy soil tends to dry out faster, especially in hot climates.
Sand is generally not ideal for growing most crops unless it is improved by mixing it with organic matter like compost or peat. The poor water retention and lack of nutrients mean that sandy soils require more frequent watering and fertilization. However, certain crops like carrots, potatoes, and peanuts can do well in sandy soils because these crops prefer loose, well-aerated ground.
Sand is also not fine-grained; that description better fits silt or clay. Fine-grained soils hold water more tightly and are denser in structure. Sand is gritty and does not stick together easily when wet.
In conclusion, the best phrase to describe sand from the given choices is that water drains quickly. This property makes sandy soil unique and influences its use in agriculture, construction, and landscaping. For farming purposes, sandy soil often needs to be amended to improve its ability to hold nutrients and moisture.
