Clay

Clay soils are made of very tiny particles. Clay forms when a mineral called feldspar reacts with water and is broken down over a very long period of time. Clay is very sticky when it is wet. Look at the picture below. Someone is forming clay into a piece of pottery. Do you think this can be done with sand?

^{When clay is wet it is very sticky and it can be shaped into different forms.}

^{Properties of clay} 

• Clay soils hold water very well. They drain very slowly.
• Clay soils swell when wet and shrink when dry.
• Clay soil is sticky when wet.
• Clay soil is heavy and more difficult to cultivate.