Which soil type retains more available water because of its larger pore spaces?

• A. Clay
• B. Loam
• C. Sandy
• D. Rocky

Answer: (B)

Loam is considered the best soil type for retaining available water due to its balanced composition of sand, silt, and clay. The larger pore spaces in loam allow for sufficient water retention while also facilitating adequate drainage. This balance enables loam to hold moisture effectively, making it ideal for supporting plant growth.

Clay, while it can hold a large amount of water, has very small pore spaces, which can lead to poor drainage and potential waterlogging. Sandy soil, on the other hand, has much larger pore spaces that allow for quick drainage, but this means it cannot hold water effectively. Rocky soil, being comprised primarily of larger fragments, has minimal ability to retain water compared to finer particles. Therefore, loam stands out as the soil type that optimally retains available water, making it an excellent choice for landscaping.