Which soil type is characterized by intermediate chemical and physical properties between sand and clay?

The correct choice is silt as it is a soil type that exhibits intermediate characteristics between sand and clay. Silt particles are larger than clay particles but smaller than sand particles, typically ranging in size from 0.002 mm to 0.05 mm. This means that silt has unique properties; it can retain moisture better than sand while still offering good drainage, akin to the behaviors of clay.

Silt also has a higher nutrient-holding capacity than sandy soils, which is important for plant growth. This balance of water retention and drainage, along with nutrient availability, makes silt an important component of fertile soils.

In contrast, loam is a well-balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, making it highly productive and ideal for agriculture, but it is not characterized solely as intermediary between the extremes of sand and clay. Clay itself is known for its fine particles and high water retention capabilities, while sand is coarser and drains quickly. Colloidal refers to a mixture in which tiny particles are suspended in a fluid, which is not a soil type but rather describes a physical state of matter.