Which type of soil has the best water retention ability?

Clay soil has the best water retention ability due to its fine particles and compact structure. The small size of clay particles creates a large surface area which allows them to hold onto water molecules more effectively than larger particles found in other soil types. This high surface area results in the ability to absorb and retain moisture, making clay soil particularly advantageous in dry conditions.

In addition, clay soil has a unique structure that promotes capillary action, allowing it to retain water longer, which is beneficial for plant growth and development. While loamy soil also retains moisture well due to its balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, it cannot match the water retention capacity of clay soil. Sandy and gravelly soils, on the other hand, have larger particles that allow water to drain quickly, resulting in lower water retention capabilities.