Which soil type has a low risk of runoff?

Sandy soils have larger particle sizes compared to other soil types, which allows for faster drainage of water. This quick drainage reduces the likelihood of water pooling on the surface, thereby decreasing the risk of runoff. In sandy soils, water infiltrates rapidly due to the spaces between the larger particles, meaning that more water can be absorbed into the soil rather than running off the surface.

In contrast, clay soils tend to have smaller particles that compact tightly together, leading to slower drainage and a higher risk of surface runoff. Loamy soils, which are a mixture of sand, silt, and clay, generally have balanced runoff characteristics, but still do not match sandy soils in terms of low runoff risk. Silty soils, while capable of holding moisture, can also lead to runoff due to their finer particles, which may impede drainage more than sandy soils do.