Which statement best describes sandy soils?

• A. Well drained and often lack enough water and nutrients for plants to grow
• B. Very poorly drained and stay waterlogged
• C. Poorly drained but hold many nutrients
• D. Readily compacts and drains quickly

Answer: (A)

Sandy soils have large particles and wide pore spaces that drain water quickly. This fast drainage means they hold little water between irrigation or rainfall events and also don’t retain nutrients well, because nutrients are not held by the soil particles and tend to leach away. So sandy soils are well drained and often lack enough water and nutrients for plants to grow. To grow plants there, you’d typically need frequent watering and regular fertilization, often with added organic matter to improve water retention and nutrient availability. Other options describe soils that either stay waterlogged or hold nutrients but don’t drain well, or suggest compaction as a primary feature, which doesn’t match the characteristics of sandy soils.