Which soil particle is the largest among the following?

The largest soil particle among the options provided is sand. Sand particles have a diameter ranging from 0.05 mm to 2 mm, which makes them coarser than both silt and clay.

Clay particles, on the other hand, are much smaller, typically less than 0.002 mm in diameter. This fine size gives clay its unique properties, such as high plasticity and water retention but differentiates it distinctly from sand in terms of particle size. Silt particles fall in between clay and sand, with diameters ranging from 0.002 mm to 0.05 mm.

Organic matter, while it plays a critical role in soil health and structure, is not classified by particle size in the same way as mineral soil particles. Its composition can vary widely and does not correspond to the standardized particle size categories used for soil textural classification.

In summary, sand is the largest of the soil particles, characterized by its size and texture, which contributes to soil drainage and aeration. Understanding these distinctions is essential for soil management and agricultural practices.