Leaching is more likely to occur in which type of soil?

Leaching is predominantly associated with sandy soils or substrates where groundwater is positioned close to the soil surface. This is because sandy soils have larger particle sizes and more significant pore spaces, allowing water to move more freely through the soil. As rainwater infiltrates these soils, it readily passes through the layers, washing away nutrients and contaminants in the process—a phenomenon known as leaching.

In contrast, soils with smaller particles, such as clay, tend to retain water due to their fine structure which leads to low permeability. This means that water does not easily pass through clay soils, resulting in limited leaching. Heavy, well-compacted soils also restrict water movement, making leaching less likely. Similarly, while loamy soils do have a balance of textures and drainage capacity, they are generally less susceptible to leaching when compared to sandy soils given the greater stability of nutrients present in such balanced soils. Therefore, the characteristics of sandy soils make them the most conducive environment for leaching to occur.