What is a significant drawback of light soil?

Light soil, often composed of sand and silt, is characterized by its ability to drain quickly and its relatively low density. This type of soil generally has a poor nutrient-holding capacity due to the larger particle sizes that do not retain nutrients effectively. Consequently, during times of drought, light soil can struggle to provide the necessary nutrients and moisture to plants, leading to poor growth conditions.

This characteristic makes light soil less suitable for growing various crops without the additional application of fertilizers and soil amendments. In contrast, soils that retain moisture and nutrients more effectively, such as clay soils, can provide a more stable environment for plants. Therefore, when considering the limitations of light soil in agricultural and ecological contexts, its inability to retain essential nutrients, particularly during dry conditions, is a significant drawback.