Water holding capacity of the soil depends upon

Options

A. Chemical composition of soil
B. Particle size of soil
C. Aggregation of soil particles
D. All of these

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Water Holding Capacity**: The water holding capacity of soil refers to the soil's ability to retain water against the force of gravity. This is crucial for plant growth and ecosystem health.

2. **Factors Affecting Water Holding Capacity**:
- **Texture of Soil**: The texture, which includes the proportions of sand, silt, and clay, plays a significant role. Sandy soils have larger particles and larger spaces between them, leading to lower water retention. In contrast, clay soils have smaller particles and smaller spaces, allowing them to hold more water.

- **Organic Matter**: The presence of organic matter, such as decomposed plant and animal material, enhances the soil's ability to retain moisture. Organic matter improves soil structure and increases the number of small pores that can hold water.

- **Surface Area of Particles**: The total surface area of soil particles affects water retention. Smaller particles (like clay) have a larger surface area compared to larger particles (like sand), which increases the soil's ability to hold water.

- **Soil pH**: The pH level of the soil can influence the chemical processes that affect water retention. For example, highly acidic or alkaline soils may affect the availability of nutrients and the structure of the soil.

- **Aggregation of Soil Particles**: The arrangement or aggregation of soil particles affects how water moves through the soil. Well-aggregated soils can create more stable pore spaces that enhance water retention.

3. **Conclusion**: The water holding capacity of soil depends on multiple factors, including the chemical composition (organic matter), particle size, and aggregation of soil particles. Therefore, the correct answer encompasses all these aspects.

**Final Answer**: The water holding capacity of soil depends on the chemical composition of soil, particle size of soil, aggregation of soil particles, and all of this.

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