Loam is composed of which materials?

Loam is a type of soil that is characterized by its balanced composition of sand, silt, and clay, making it ideal for agriculture and gardening. The presence of these three components allows loam to maintain good drainage while also retaining moisture and nutrients, which are crucial for plant growth.

Specifically, the sand component helps with drainage and aeration, clay provides structure and nutrient retention, and silt offers a smooth texture and helps retain some moisture. This mixture results in a fertile and workable soil that is easy to cultivate.

Each of the other options includes combinations that either replace one of the key components or introduce non-soil components that do not fit the definition of loam. Therefore, the correct choice reflects the true composition that defines loam and its desirable properties in soil science.