Soil Water Holding Capacity Estimator
Calculate how much water your soil can retain for optimal plant growth
Improving Your Soil’s Water Holding Capacity
Add Organic Matter
Compost, manure, or peat moss can increase water retention in sandy soils while improving drainage in clay soils.
Use Cover Crops
Planting cover crops adds organic matter and creates soil structure that enhances water retention.
Apply Mulch
A 2-4 inch layer of mulch reduces evaporation and helps maintain consistent soil moisture.
Recommended Products to Improve Water Retention
FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil
Premium organic potting soil that improves water retention while providing excellent drainage and aeration.
View FoxFarm SoilDr. Earth Home Grown Fertilizer
Organic fertilizer that enhances soil structure and increases water holding capacity naturally.
View Dr. Earth FertilizerFrequently Asked Questions
Soil water holding capacity is the amount of water that a given soil can hold against gravity after saturation and drainage. It’s crucial for plant growth as it determines how much water is available to plants between irrigation or rainfall events.
You can improve water retention by adding organic matter (compost, manure), using mulch to reduce evaporation, planting cover crops, and avoiding soil compaction. For sandy soils, organic amendments are particularly effective.
Clay soils have very small particles with large surface areas that attract and hold water molecules tightly. While they hold more water overall, much of it may not be available to plants because it’s held too tightly by the soil particles.