Sand and clay in about equal proportions, and with a quantity of organic material, constitute a "loamy soil" - the ideal soil for the horticulturist or agriculturist. When a loamy soil contains more sand than clay it is called a "sandy loam "; when more clay than sand, a "clayey loam". The various compositions may be expressed as follows: -

Per Cent of Sand.

Per Cent of Clay.

Sandy soil contains ...

80 to 100

20 to 0

Sandy loam „ ..........

60 „ 80

40 „ 20

Loam „...........

40 „ 60

60 „ 40

Clayey loam „........

20 „ 40

80 „ 60

Clayey soil „.............

0 „ 20

100 „ 80