Silt loam refers to soil having a moderate amount of fine sand and only a small amount of clay; over half of the particles are of the size called silt. When dry, a silt loam appears cloddy, but the lumps can be broken readily. When pulverized, it feels soft and floury. When wet, the soil runs together readily and puddles.

Silt Loam Soil is the topsoil texture that consists of silt size particles (.05 to.002mm). Its nutrients provide the foundation for a fertile garden. The type of plants that grow well in Silt Loam includes; shrubs, climbers, grasses, and perennials such as Mahonia, New Zealand Flax, etc. They also include Willow, Birch, Dogwood, and Cypress.

Silt soil is a type of light, moisture-retentive soil that has a high fertility value. Because silt soils contain mostly medium-sized particles, they drain easily and retain moisture well. Due to its origin in river sediments, silt soil is rich in nutrients. Because many plants grow in silt, it is among the better soil types for gardening.