Lesson in the Field: Know Your Soil – Sand, Clay, and Silt 🌱

Every farmer knows that not all soil is the same. Understanding your soil type is key to a successful harvest. Soil comes in three main types: sand, clay, and silt. Each has strengths and challenges.

✨ 1. Sandy Soil
Characteristics: Light, drains quickly, warms up fast.
Challenges: Dries quickly, low nutrient retention.
Suitable Crops: Groundnuts, watermelons, cassava, carrots, and maize.

✨ 2. Clay Soil
Characteristics: Heavy, retains water, rich in nutrients.
Challenges: Poor drainage, which can become compacted.
Suitable Crops: Rice, wheat, sugarcane, soybeans, cotton.

✨ 3. Silt Soil
Characteristics: Smooth, holds moisture, fertile.
Challenges: Can erode easily if exposed.
Suitable Crops: Maize, tomatoes, beans, cabbage, coffee.

👩🏾‍🌾 Lesson Learned: Matching crops to soil type saves water, improves growth, and boosts yields. Planting the wrong crop on unsuitable soil can reduce harvests and waste effort.

👉 Tip from the Field: Mix organic matter to improve soil texture and fertility, no matter the type.