Which soil type is the most erodible?

The most erodible soil type is silt. Silt particles are small enough to be easily lifted and carried away by wind and water, making them particularly susceptible to erosion. In contrast, clay particles are tightly bonded and form a dense structure that resists erosion more effectively. Sand, while larger than silt, does not retain moisture as well as silt and is less prone to erosion in many scenarios due to their larger particle size allowing water to drain quickly. Gravel, being the largest of the four types, has minimal cohesion and thus is less likely to be eroded easily compared to silt.

Silt's properties—such as its size, ease of disaggregation when wet, and its ability to remain suspended in water for longer periods—contribute to its high erodibility, especially in areas with heavy rainfall or strong winds. Understanding the characteristics of these soil types is crucial for assessing erosion risks and planning effective sediment and stormwater management practices.