What is a key characteristic of soil with high permeability?

Soil with high permeability is characterized by its ability to allow water to flow through it rapidly. This property is primarily influenced by the size and arrangement of soil particles. In permeable soils, such as sandy or gravelly types, the larger pore spaces facilitate quick drainage, allowing excess water to move away from the surface and reducing water retention.

The rapid drainage associated with high permeability is beneficial in certain agricultural scenarios as it prevents waterlogging, which can be detrimental to plant growth. However, it also means that these soils may not be as effective in retaining moisture compared to soils with finer particles, like clay, which can hold water more effectively.

Other choices refer to characteristics that are typically not associated with high permeability. For instance, soils that retain moisture effectively would usually have finer particles, leading to higher water retention but lower permeability. High clay content typically results in compacted soil with poor drainage, contrary to the properties of highly permeable soils. Lastly, the ability to support plant growth is often linked to a balance of drainage and moisture retention, which high permeability alone does not guarantee.