What type of soil is best for water infiltration?

Soils with high permeability and significant sand content are indeed the best for water infiltration. This is primarily due to the inherent characteristics of sandy soils, which consist of larger particle sizes compared to other soil types. The larger particles create more significant spaces or pores between them, allowing water to move through the soil more easily and quickly. This property is essential in various contexts, such as drainage, agricultural practices, and stormwater management.

In contrast, clay soils, which are characterized by smaller particles, have low percolation rates due to the tightly packed nature of the particles, making it difficult for water to flow through. Silty soils may have moderate permeability, but they do not compare in infiltration capability to sandy soils, as they tend to retain more moisture and can contribute to a more significant risk of runoff. Heavy loam soils, while balanced, may also retain more water than sandy soils, resulting in slower infiltration rates. Therefore, soils with high permeability and significant sand content stand out as the most effective choice for water infiltration purposes.