If you live in an area with a lot of rain, you may not need to water as frequently as if you lived in a dry area. Sandy soils absorb more than 2 inches of water per hour, whereas clay absorbs less than 1/4 inch per hour. The amount of water that can be absorbed by clay exceeds that of any other organic soil. Water is soluble in clay layers because they have pores that slow the flow of water in locations where there are many pore spaces. Because the surface of a clay particle is wider, water molecules can adhere to it more easily. More particles means more surface area for water to cling to and be absorbed.ĭrip or soaker hoses are commonly used to drain clay soils. Why Does Clay Soil Absorb More Water? Credit: PinterestĬlay soil is composed of very small particles, which means there are more particles in a given volume than there would be in sandier soils. Clay soils have a higher waterholding capacity than non-clay soils because they are more silty and have more clay particles than those with no silt. Because there is a large surface area, more water can be absorbed by a soil. If the soil contains a lot of silt or clay, the surface area is much larger than if it is mostly made of sand. When the clay is wet, it bonds so tightly that almost nothing (including water) can pass through it. When soils are wet, water travels through the larger pores between the sand particles faster than it does through the smaller pores between the clay particles.Īccording to the Noble Research Institute, silt and clay have larger surfaces areas than sand, which causes them to hold more water (source). While there is a moderate amount of water retained by silt and loam, medium-sized particles do not.Ĭompact soil has fewer pores than sandy soil, but it attracts more water and transmits it more slowly. Because of its larger particles and lower nutritional value, sand retains the least amount of water, but it can easily be replenished. The clay particles must be near the pore system’s points to absorb reservoir fluids.īecause clay soils contain small and fine particles, they retain the most water of any soil type. A brick with open pores is thought to be porous, and this information is used to assess its quality. Because of its fine particles, a clay soil has a better ability to retain water than other soils. When it is wet, clay soil rolls in the mud like plasticine. Water takes longer to pass through the larger pores between sand particles in moist soils than in dry ones. Because of the small pores on clay soils, they absorb less water than sandy soils. Water is required to absorb into clay soils, so it should only be consumed slowly. When a soil has a high concentration of silt or clay, it becomes more prone to water absorption. It’s better to grow a soil with smaller particles (lip and clay) in places where there are many plants. In addition, clay can help to regulate the temperature of the soil and improve the structure of the soil. This can be beneficial for plants that need access to moisture. The small particles of clay can help to increase the amount of water that the soil can hold. Overall, clay can have a positive effect on the water absorption of soil. This can create a more stable environment for plant roots to grow in. The small particles of clay can help to bind together the larger particles of sand and soil. In addition to increasing water absorption, clay can also help to improve the structure of the soil. This can be beneficial for plants that are sensitive to heat. The water molecules that are held close to the clay particles can help to cool the soil down in hot weather. This can help to improve the moisture content of the soil and make it easier for plants to access the water.Ĭlay can also help to regulate the temperature of the soil. The water molecules are attracted to the clay particles and are held close to them. When clay is present in soil, it can help to increase water absorption. This means that it can hold a lot of water. Clay is a very small particle that has a large surface area.
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