What type of soil is least likely to hold water and is preferred for drainage?

The type of soil that is least likely to hold water and is preferred for drainage is sand. This is due to its large particle size and the spaces between the particles, which allow water to flow through quickly. Sand has a high permeability, meaning that it does not retain moisture like finer soils can.

This property makes sand an ideal choice for situations where proper drainage is crucial, such as in the construction of drainage fields, landscaping, or areas where excess water needs to be managed effectively. The inability of sand to retain water also prevents issues such as waterlogging, which can be detrimental to many plants and structures.

In contrast, clay holds water well due to its very small particle size and compact structure, which restricts water movement. Loam, while a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay that is beneficial for agriculture, still retains some moisture. Silt can retain water better than sand as well, leading to less efficient drainage. Thus, sand is clearly the best choice when drainage is the priority.