How is soil primarily classified?

Soil is primarily classified by particle size, which includes categories such as sand, silt, and clay. This classification is important because it determines the soil's texture, drainage capacity, nutrient retention, and overall suitability for various crops and plants. Each type of particle plays a critical role in how soil behaves. For instance, sandy soils provide excellent drainage but retain fewer nutrients, while clay soils can hold more nutrients but may drain poorly.

Moisture content and organic matter are significant factors in assessing soil health and fertility, but they are not the primary means of classification. Similarly, while soil color and texture can provide useful information about soil conditions, the classification based on particle size is the fundamental method used in soil science for understanding and managing soils effectively.