Which factor mainly influences the water holding capacity of soil?

Soil texture is the primary factor that influences the water holding capacity of soil. It refers to the size of the soil particles and their distribution within the soil. Soils are classified into various textures based on the percentage of sand, silt, and clay present.

Clay particles are very small and have a high surface area, allowing them to retain more water compared to larger sand particles, which do not hold water effectively. The combination of different particle sizes in a given soil affects its ability to retain moisture. For instance, loam soils, which contain a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay, typically have good water holding capacity, making them very productive for agricultural purposes.

In contrast, other factors such as soil temperature, soil color, and soil pH play lesser roles in determining how well soil can retain water. Soil temperature primarily impacts biological and chemical activity rather than water storage. Soil color can give indications about organic matter content or mineral composition but does not directly affect holding capacity. Soil pH affects nutrient availability but, like temperature and color, does not significantly alter the physical structure that determines water retention. Therefore, soil texture is the key determinant of how much water a soil can hold.