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5. Soils
The water retention characteristics of soils vary greatly
Soil texture is the main factor determining water retention. Coarse-textured soils retain less water, both physically and chemically. Physically because they have a lower surface area and less water is trapped by friction, and chemically because clays have a higher capacity to chemically bind water into colloidal structures. Slope is also important, however, as steep slopes will drain rapidly and, in contrast, flat, poorly-drained areas can easily become water-logged. This is particularly true where the soils have a high clay content, something which will inhibit air penetration to plant roots and soil organisms.
What determines water retention in soils?