Soil Judging National Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive Prep Guide

Loess soils are primarily characterized by their composition of windblown silt. The term "loess" specifically refers to a type of soil that forms from fine particulate material, predominantly silt, that is transported and deposited by wind. This deposition leads to the creation of thick layers of highly fertile soil typically found in regions with historical glacial activity, where strong winds can carry the fine silt particles over long distances.

The silt content in loess soils is crucial. It retains moisture well and supports agriculture due to its capacity to hold nutrients, making it an essential soil type in many productive farming regions.

In contrast, the other types of sediments mentioned, such as clay deposits, sand deposits, and glacial till, have distinct characteristics and formation processes that do not align with the definition of loess. Clay deposits tend to be sticky and dense, sand deposits are coarser and drain water quickly, while glacial till consists of a mix of various particle sizes deposited by glaciers. None of these align with the wind-driven process and the specific silt component that defines loess soils.