Which type of soil is characterized by being very compressible with poor load-maintaining properties?

Organic soil is characterized by its very compressible nature and poor load-maintaining properties. This type of soil is primarily composed of decomposed plant materials and organic matter, which gives it unique characteristics compared to other soil types.

The high organic content in organic soils contributes to its compressibility, meaning that when load is applied, it tends to compress and settle significantly. This makes organic soil less stable for construction purposes, as it does not support heavy weights well and can thus lead to issues in structures built on it. Such soils are commonly found in wetlands and areas with abundant vegetation, where decomposed material accumulates.

In contrast, other soil types like clay, sandy, and loamy soils have different properties that allow them to maintain loads better, with clay being more cohesive but still having its own issues, while sandy and loamy soils typically offer better drainage and stability.