What is the smallest mineral particle separation in soil?

The smallest mineral particle separation in soil is clay. Clay particles are typically defined as having a diameter smaller than 0.002 mm. These particles are much finer than silt, sand, and gravel, which all have larger particle sizes.

Clay plays a crucial role in soil properties, influencing aspects like water retention, nutrient availability, and the soil's texture. Due to their small size and high surface area, clay particles can hold water and nutrients more effectively than larger particles, which is key for plant growth and overall soil health.

Silt is larger than clay but smaller than sand, with particle sizes ranging between 0.002 mm and 0.05 mm, while sand particles are even larger, ranging from 0.05 mm to 2 mm. Gravel consists of the largest soil particles, typically greater than 2 mm in size. Thus, understanding these size distinctions is essential in soil science and land management practices.