What is one key characteristic of loam soil?

Loam soil is highly regarded in horticulture and agriculture due to its balanced texture, which is a key characteristic. This type of soil is composed of roughly equal parts sand, silt, and clay, allowing it to retain moisture while also providing good drainage and aeration. The balanced ratio of these components results in ideal conditions for plant growth, as roots can easily penetrate loam, and nutrients can be effectively held within it.

While some soils may have high clay content, as seen in certain other soil types, this can lead to poor drainage and compaction, which are not favorable for plant health. High organic matter is beneficial, but it doesn't define loam specifically, as many soils can have varying levels of organic material regardless of their texture. Solely having sand content is characteristic of sandy soils, which lack the beneficial properties afforded by the combination of sand, silt, and clay found in loam.