The Garden Bug: Water and soil

By Brenda Weaver

Soil particle size and the degree of compaction affect how much water drains through the soil vs. how much water holds within the soils.

Fine soil has smaller particles but more numerous "pores" than a coarse soil. It retains more water within its structure, allowing plant roots to access the water.

Coarse soil has bigger particles and less "pore" space between the particles than the fine soil. It is less able to retain any water for roots to access.

Source: www.noble.org