Which soil type is most likely to retain water?

Clay is the soil type most likely to retain water due to its small particle size and plate-like structure, which creates a high surface area that can hold water. Clay particles are less than 0.002 mm in diameter and pack closely together, leaving little space for air but a significant amount of pore space for water. This characteristic leads to a high field capacity, meaning clay can hold more moisture compared to other soil types.

In contrast, sand, with its large particle size and coarse texture, has considerable drainage properties and does not retain water effectively. Gravel, even larger than sand particles, allows water to drain very quickly, making it unsuitable for water retention. Silt, while it has better water retention capabilities than sand and gravel, is still not as efficient in water retention as clay due to its intermediate particle size and structure. Therefore, clay stands out as the most effective soil type for retaining moisture.