• Different soil types hold different amounts nutrients.Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
  
  The key to plant growth lies in the soil. Soil helps plants grow by holding nutrients around the plant's roots where they are available for the plant to absorb and thrive. A plant's roots need oxygen to live, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. But sandy soil generally contains a different level of oxygen than clay soil.
  
  

Soil Composition

• Soil is made up of elements in three phases -- solids, liquids and gases, according to West Texas A&M University. The mineral solids in soil are made up of particles of sand, silt or clay. The liquid is water and the gas is air, which contains oxygen. The size of the sand or clay particles determines how much space there is in the soil for the water and oxygen. Depending on soil particle type, 40 to 60 percent of the volume of mineral soil is empty space, or pores, that is available to hold water and oxygen.
  
  

Sandy Soil

• Sand is the largest soil particle. Because it is so large the spaces, or pores, between sand particles are also fairly large, which creates more space in the soil for water and oxygen. The comparatively large particle size of sandy soils also allows water to drain quickly, which permits more aeration because there is more room for oxygen in the soil, according to North Carolina State University Extension.
  
  

Clay Soil

• Clay is the smallest soil particle and because it is so small, the particles compact closer to each other leaving smaller spaces, or pores, for water or air between the clay particles. Because clay soil has smaller pores than sand, clay soil holds water in and the water may not drain out very fast. When soil is soggy, there is less space for oxygen in the soil, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. In general, clay soil contains lower levels of oxygen than sandy soil.