The water-holding capacity of soil primarily depends on which physical property of the soil?

Correct answer: Particle size and texture

Correct answer: B, particle size and texture. Soil texture describes the relative proportions and sizes of sand, silt and clay particles. These particles create pore spaces that store water. Clay-rich soils have many very small pores and can retain a large amount of water, although some of it may be held too tightly for plants to use easily. Sandy soils have larger pores, so water drains more rapidly and their total water-holding capacity is usually lower. A is wrong because colour may provide clues about organic matter or drainage but is not the primary physical control. C can influence the total amount of soil available, but it does not define the holding property itself. D affects runoff and erosion, not the basic pore-size control. Memory cue: texture controls pore spaces; pore spaces control storage and drainage.