Which type of soil has a smooth texture due to fine particles?

Clay soils are characterized by a smooth texture that results from their fine particles. These tiny particles are closely packed together, which gives clay its dense and slick feel. Clay has a high surface area relative to its volume, allowing it to retain water and nutrients effectively. This moisture retention can make clay soils challenging for some plants, but they are ideal for specific crops that thrive in high moisture conditions. Additionally, clay soils tend to exhibit plasticity when wet, allowing them to be molded, which is a distinctive feature.

In contrast, sandy soils are composed of larger particles, which creates a gritty texture and leads to quick drainage of water, while gravelly soils have even larger particles that allow for the rapid movement of water and air, resulting in a loose texture. Loamy soils comprise a mix of sand, silt, and clay, providing a balance of drainage and moisture retention but do not exhibit the smooth texture characteristic of pure clay. Therefore, the defining smooth texture of clay soils is what makes them the correct choice in this context.