The water-holding capacity is highest in :

Options

A. sandy soil
B. clayey soil
C. loamy soil
D. mixture of sandy and loamy soils

Answer

To determine which type of soil has the highest water-holding capacity, we can analyze the properties of different soil types: sandy soil, clay soil, and loamy soil.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand Water-Holding Capacity**:
- Water-holding capacity refers to the ability of soil to retain water for use by plants. It is crucial for plant growth as it determines how much water is available to the roots.

2. **Identify Soil Types**:
- The main types of soil we are considering are sandy soil, clay soil, and loamy soil.

3. **Analyze Sandy Soil**:
- Sandy soil has large particles with plenty of space between them. This allows water to drain quickly, meaning it does not hold water well. Therefore, sandy soil has the lowest water-holding capacity.

4. **Analyze Clay Soil**:
- Clay soil consists of very small particles that are tightly packed together. This results in very little space for air and allows clay to retain water effectively. Thus, clay soil has the highest water-holding capacity.

5. **Analyze Loamy Soil**:
- Loamy soil is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay. It has better water-holding capacity than sandy soil but is not as high as clay soil. Loamy soil is considered ideal for most plants due to its balanced texture.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the analysis, clay soil has the highest water-holding capacity compared to sandy soil and loamy soil.

### Final Answer:
The water-holding capacity is highest in **clay soil**.