Clayey soil is a type of soil composed of clay particles, which are very small and have a high shrink-swell capacity. It is often referred to as LOAM, ADOBE, MARL, loess, or malm. LOAM is a combination of sand, silt, and clay, and is known for its good water-holding capacity and fertility. ADOBE is a type of clay-based building material that is used in construction. MARL is a type of soil composed of clay and calcium carbonate, and is known for its ability to hold moisture. Loess is a type of soil composed of wind-blown silt, and is known for its fertility and ability to retain water. Malm is a type of soil composed of clay and limestone, and is known for its ability to hold moisture and nutrients.