Question

By what type of forces the soil grains retain water on their surfaces?

(a) Capillary Forces

(b) Cohesive Forces

(c) Molecular Attraction and by Loose Chemical Bonds

(d) Compressive Forces

This question was posed to me in examination.

This intriguing question originated from Water Requirements of Crops topic in division Water Requirements of Crops of Irrigation Engineering

Answer 1

The correct option is (c) Molecular Attraction and by Loose Chemical Bonds

The explanation: Due to these forces like molecular attraction between adjacent soil grains and by their loose chemical bonds, i.e adsorption, the soil grains are able to retain water against the action of gravity on their surfaces.