What is another name for soil that contains equal parts of sand, silt, and clay?

The correct answer is loam, which is a type of soil that is characterized by a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay. This specific composition supports good drainage while maintaining sufficient moisture and nutrient retention, making loam highly productive for planting and gardening. Loamy soil is often considered ideal for agricultural practices because it can support a wide variety of plant life.

The other options present different types of soils with distinct characteristics. Clay, for instance, has a high proportion of fine particles and tends to retain water well but has poor drainage. Silty sand refers to a coarser soil that contains more sand than silt and clay, which impacts its water-holding capability. Granular soil is a term used to describe soil particles that are larger and lack the cohesive properties found in clay, leading to poor nutrient retention. Understanding these differences helps clarify why loam is specifically defined by its equal parts of sand, silt, and clay.