How does sandy soil affect the water movement in terms of leaching?

Sandy soil is characterized by its coarse texture and larger particle size, which creates larger spaces or pores between the particles. This structure allows water to move through the soil more rapidly compared to finer soils like clay or silt. As a result, when water is applied to sandy soil, it seeps quickly down through the profile. This rapid movement increases the potential for leaching, which is the process where soluble substances, including fertilizers and pesticides, are washed away from the root zone of plants and into deeper soil layers or groundwater.

In contrast, other soil types would retain water better due to their smaller particle sizes and compactness, which promote higher retention and slower drainage. Therefore, sandy soil's nature of allowing fast movement of water is a crucial factor in understanding its effect on leaching.