Which soil condition increases the risk of nutrient leaching?

• A. Sandy texture with low organic matter
• B. Clay texture with high organic matter
• C. Silty texture with high mineral content
• D. Loamy texture with high CEC

Answer: (A)

Nutrient leaching happens most when the soil can’t hold onto nutrients and drains quickly. A sandy texture has large pore spaces that allow water to move through rapidly, and with low organic matter, the soil’s ability to retain nutrients is very weak. This combination means nutrients, especially soluble forms like nitrate, are easily washed below the root zone with rain or irrigation. In contrast, clay or loamy soils tend to hold more nutrients because they have higher cation exchange capacity and better water retention, and organic matter further enhances that nutrient binding. So the sandy soil with low organic matter is the condition that increases leaching risk.