Finer soil texture boosts plant growth and water retention capacity significantly.
The study looked at how soil moisture levels vary in soils with different textures. They found that soils with finer textures hold more water at field capacity and wilting point. Sandy loam soil has the lowest available moisture capacity, while silty loam soil has the highest. Silty loam soil is best for plant growth due to good air-water balance. Sandy loam soil has better infiltration but can be prone to drought. Clay soil has moderate moisture capacity but may not be as favorable for plant growth.