Which type of soil texture tends to retain more moisture?

Clay soils tend to retain more moisture due to their fine particle size and dense structure. They have a high surface area relative to their volume, allowing them to hold water effectively. The small size of clay particles results in smaller pore spaces, which slows down the drainage of water and increases the soil's ability to store moisture.

In contrast, coarse-textured soils, such as sandy soils, have larger particle sizes and greater pore spaces, leading to quicker drainage and less water retention. Silt soils, while they have a finer texture than sand, still do not retain as much moisture as clay due to their intermediate particle size and pore space characteristics. Clay's unique properties make it particularly effective at holding moisture, making it the most suitable option for retaining water.