Which type of soil is most common in deserts, characterized by coarse particles and low moisture?

The most common type of soil found in deserts is sandy soil. This soil type is characterized by its coarse particles, which allow for quick drainage of water and generally do not retain moisture well. In arid environments like deserts, where evaporation rates are high and precipitation is minimal, sandy soil contributes to the challenges of sustaining plant life, as it does not hold water long enough for roots to absorb.

Sandy soils also have larger spaces between particles, which facilitates the movement of air, but this characteristic further inhibits the soil’s capacity to retain nutrients and moisture, essential components for plant growth. Therefore, the combination of coarse texture and low moisture content makes sandy soil the predominant type found in desert ecosystems.