leemrijk

Leemrijk is a Dutch soil-descriptive term used to indicate soil with a relatively high content of loam, a textured soil that combines sand, silt, and clay in a favorable balance. The term is derived from leem (loam) and rijk (rich). In soil classification and agronomy, leemrijke soils are characterized by good nutrient-holding capacity and moderate drainage, providing favorable conditions for crops and pasture compared with more extreme soil types such as sandy or heavy clay soils.

Leemrijke soils are often found in river valleys and floodplains, as well as in glacially formed plains and reclaimed lands in parts of the Netherlands and Belgium. The texture allows relatively high fertility and water retention, reducing drought stress while still allowing roots to penetrate.

In farming and horticulture, leemrijke soils are typically managed to prevent compaction, maintain soil organic matter, and adjust pH as needed. Practices may include periodic liming to raise pH if the soil is acidic, incorporation of organic matter, and drainage management in poorly drained patches to prevent waterlogging.

Leemrijk as a term is primarily used in Dutch-language contexts and may appear in soil maps, farm advice, and horticultural guides. In English, it is commonly translated as loam-rich soil or loam-dominated soil.