Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

How do clay soils compare to sandy soils in terms of irrigation water absorption time?

1. A shorter time for absorption

2. More or less time depending on pH

3. About the same time for absorption

4. A longer time for absorption

The correct answer is: A longer time for absorption

Clay soils have fine particles that are tightly packed together, creating small pore spaces. This structure means that water moves through clay soils much more slowly compared to sandy soils, which have larger particles and larger pore spaces that allow water to drain and absorb quickly. As a result, when irrigating areas with clay soils, the absorption time is significantly longer because the water is held in those tiny pore spaces and does not percolate through the soil as quickly. Therefore, it is accurate to say that clay soils require a longer time for absorption when compared to sandy soils. This characteristic of clay can also influence other factors, such as drainage, aeration, and root growth, which are important considerations in landscape management and horticulture.