What is the characteristic of water distribution in clay soils compared to sandy soils?

Clay soils are characterized by their smaller particle sizes and compact arrangement, which leads to slower permeability compared to sandy soils. This means that water moves more slowly through clay, often resulting in a higher water retention capacity. As a consequence, water tends to be held closer to the surface, making the water distribution in clay soils shallower.

In contrast, sandy soils, with their larger particle sizes and greater porosity, allow for rapid drainage and deeper water distribution. This fundamental difference in particle size and soil structure impacts how water moves and is retained in different soil types.

Additionally, the ability of clay to swell when wet and shrink when dry can also contribute to variability in water distribution, as it can create a surface crust that further inhibits water movement when the soil is dry. Therefore, the characteristic of slower permeability and shallower water distribution is primarily due to the physical properties of clay.