What type of soils are classified as silts?

Silts are defined by their particle size, which falls between those of sand and clay. Specifically, silts are composed of particles that are smaller than 0.02 mm and larger than 0.002 mm. This classification places them in the category of fine-grained soils, possessing distinct physical properties that influence soil behavior, such as water retention and particle cohesion.

Understanding this classification is crucial, especially in fields such as construction and agriculture, where soil characteristics significantly impact project planning, stability, and crop management. The described size range for silts allows them to hold more water than sandy soils while promoting better drainage than clay, making their identification essential for effective soil management.

Other options present sizes that do not align with the criteria for silts, reinforcing the fact that only the stated size range accurately defines silts in the context of soil science.