Which type of soil typically has good drainage characteristics?

Sandy soil is characterized by its larger particle size, which creates ample spaces between the grains. This structure allows water to flow through it easily, resulting in excellent drainage characteristics. Sandy soil typically has low retention of moisture, which can be beneficial for certain plants that require well-drained conditions and is less prone to waterlogging compared to finer soils.

In contrast, clay soils have very small particle sizes and a dense structure, which significantly reduces drainage ability and can lead to water retention. Silty soils, while they can hold moisture better than sandy soils, tend to retain too much water, leading to poor drainage. Loamy soils, which are a mixture of sand, silt, and clay, do provide a balance of drainage and moisture retention but are not as well-draining as sandy soils. Therefore, sandy soil stands out in terms of drainage capability.