Water-Holding Capacity

Definition

Water-holding capacity refers to the ability of a soil to retain water for plant use. Soils with high water-holding capacity can hold more water, while soils with low water-holding capacity drain quickly.

Related terms

Porosity: Porosity is the measure of empty spaces (pores) in soil or rock. Soils with high porosity have greater space for holding and storing water.

Field Capacity: Field capacity is the maximum amount of moisture that soil can hold against gravity after excess water has drained away. It represents the ideal moisture level for plant growth.

Wilting Point: The wilting point is the moisture level at which plants are unable to extract enough water from the soil, causing them to wilt and potentially die.