As mentioned earlier, soils with silt-sized particles are more prone to erosion than soils that have more clay-sized or sand-sized particles. Silt-sized soil particles are therefore washed away by water and blown away by wind much easier than clay-sized and sand-sized soil particles.

Crop Rotation: Rotating in high-residue crops — such as corn, hay, and small grain — can reduce erosion as the layer of residue protects topsoil from being carried away by wind and water. Conservation Tillage: Conventional tillage produces a smooth surface that leaves soil vulnerable to erosion.

A suitable surface soil texture is the best key to wind erosion protection. Properly managed crop residues, carefully timed soil tillage, and accurately placed crop strips and crop barriers can all effectively reduce wind erosion.

They fall into three broad classifications ranging across small (clay), medium (silt), and large (sand). Soils most susceptible to erosion are those with the largest amount of medium (silt)-size particles. Clay and sandy soils are less prone to erosion.

Water-holding capacity is controlled primarily by soil texture and organic matter. Soils with smaller particles (silt and clay) have a larger surface area than those with larger sand particles, and a large surface area allows a soil to hold more water.

Clay and silt soils are made of very small particles. They feel slick and sticky when wet. Clay and silt hold moisture well, but resist water infiltration, especially when they are dry. Often puddles form on clay or silt soils, and they easily become compacted.

Silty soil is usually more fertile than other types of soil, meaning it is good for growing crops. Silt promotes water retention and air circulation. Too much silt can upset some ecosystems. “Slash and burn” agriculture, for instance, upsets the ecosystem by removing trees.