A soil particle size (0.002-0.05mm) intermediate between sand and clay, creating a smooth, slippery feel and moderate water-holding capacity when dominant.
In plain terms
Silt particles are tiny but larger than clay. Silty soil feels smooth and powdery, holds water better than sand, drains better than clay. Most soils have a mix; optimal is loam (balanced sand-silt-clay). Silt-dominant soils are workable but can compact if over-tilled, reducing drainage. Adding organic matter improves silty soils.
Why this matters
Understanding soil texture helps you diagnose drainage and workability problems and plan amendments appropriately.
In practice
Examples
Silty loam: excellent for gardens; good balance of drainage and water-holding capacity.
Silt-dominant soil: workable but compacts with trampling; add compost to improve structure.
Silt-clay: heavier than silt-loam; slower drainage; more compost needed to improve.
Silt soil texture test: smooth, powdery feel; ball forms but doesn't ribbon like clay.
Practical applications
Test soil texture (ribbon test or jar test) to understand your soil composition.
Silt-dominant soils benefit from compost additions for structure.
Avoid working silt-dominant soils when wet; causes compaction.
Compost additions improve workability of silt-dominant soils.
Mulch protects silt soil from compaction and erosion.