What does a higher water retention capacity in soil generally indicate?

A higher water retention capacity in soil generally indicates that the soil has more organic matter. Organic matter plays a crucial role in enhancing the soil's ability to hold water due to its porous structure and its capacity to absorb and retain moisture. Soil rich in organic matter, such as decomposed plant material or compost, provides a framework for better water retention because it improves soil aggregation, thus creating spaces that can hold water.

In contrast, soils composed of larger particles, such as those that are sandy, have a lower water retention capacity. This is because larger particles create larger spaces between them, allowing water to drain through quickly instead of being retained. Similarly, while pH can influence nutrient availability in soil, a higher pH does not inherently correlate with water retention. Therefore, the presence of organic matter is the most significant factor related to increased water retention capacity, making it the most accurate choice.