Which type of soil typically has the highest water retention?

Clay soil typically has the highest water retention due to its small particle size and unique plate-like structure. The tiny clay particles create a large surface area with numerous pores that can hold water. This results in a high capacity for absorbing and retaining moisture, which is essential for plant growth. The water retention is also influenced by the cohesion and adhesion properties of the water molecules in relation to the clay particles, further enhancing its ability to hold moisture compared to other soil types.

In contrast, sand soil has larger particles and larger pore spaces, leading to quick drainage and low water retention. Silt soil, while it can hold more water than sand, does not retain as much as clay due to its intermediate particle size. Loamy soil is a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, which provides good drainage and moderate water retention, but it still does not surpass clay soil in terms of moisture-holding capacity.