What factor determines if soils have a good balance between drainage and water retention?

The key factor that determines if soils have a good balance between drainage and water retention is soil texture. Soil texture refers to the proportion of different sizes of soil particles, such as sand, silt, and clay. These particle sizes play a critical role in how water moves through the soil, as well as how much water the soil can hold.

Soils high in sand content will drain quickly and may not retain enough water for plants, while soils high in clay have fine particles that can hold water well but may not drain sufficiently, leading to waterlogged conditions. A balance of these textures allows for effective drainage and water retention, providing an ideal environment for plant roots to access both air and moisture.

This understanding highlights how the physical characteristics of soil significantly influence its performance in terms of supporting vegetation and overall ecosystem health. Other factors like soil structure, fertility, and temperature can influence plant growth and health, but they do not directly define the drainage and retention capabilities of the soil like texture does.