What type of soil texture typically provides the best drainage for absorption fields?

Sand is the soil texture that provides the best drainage for absorption fields due to its coarse particles and larger pore spaces. This structure allows water to flow through more easily, reducing the likelihood of waterlogging and ensuring that effluent can be adequately absorbed into the soil. When it comes to absorption fields, which are often used in septic systems, efficient drainage is critical for preventing the pooling of wastewater and ensuring that it is properly filtered by the soil.

In contrast, clay has very fine particles that are tightly packed, leading to poor drainage and a slow absorption rate, which can result in surface water issues. Loam, while often considered ideal for many agricultural practices because of its balance between drainage and nutrient retention, does not drain as quickly as sand. Silt has relatively small particles as well, which can lead to compaction and poor drainage, similar to clay but usually to a lesser degree. Hence, sand's properties make it the most effective choice for facilitating drainage in absorption fields.