OBJECTIVE FORESTRY

Detailed explanation-1: -Complete answer: The soil’s ability to retain water is strongly related to particle size. Water molecules hold more tightly to the fine particles of a clay soil than to coarser particles of sandy soil, so clays generally hold more water. Sands provide easier passage or transmission of water through the profile.

Detailed explanation-2: -Water holding capacity varied depending on the soil textures. The clay soil had the highest water holding capacity and the sand soil had the least; clay>silt>sand. Clay particles are so tiny and have many small pore spaces that make water move slower (the highest water holding capacity).

Detailed explanation-3: -The clay soil has small pores and attracts water more strongly than the sandy soil with large pores, but transmits it more slowly. When the soils are wet, water moves through the larger pores between the sand particles faster than it moves through the smaller pores between the clay particles.

Detailed explanation-4: -When water reaches the clay, the very fine pores of this layer resist water flow. Although water does pass through the clay, its p, ene tration is so slow that water tables often build up above the clay.

Detailed explanation-5: -Because clay molecules are often tightly packed together, there is very little space between particles. That is to say, there is very little pore space. At the same time, because of the lack of channels between particles, it is very difficult for water to pass through clays.