Which characteristic is associated with coarse textured soils?

Coarse textured soils, such as sandy soils, are characterized by larger particle sizes that create larger pore spaces between the particles. This structural feature results in lower water holding capacity because water drains more rapidly through these larger spaces. Consequently, these soils do not retain water efficiently, leading to a relatively low moisture content that can be available to plants.

In addition to low water retention, coarse textured soils also typically have lower nutrient retention capabilities. Nutrients tend to leach away quickly from these soils due to the rapid drainage of water, meaning that the nutrients carried by the water can be washed out before plants have the opportunity to absorb them. This makes coarse textured soils less fertile compared to finer textured soils, which can hold both water and nutrients more effectively.

The other options do not accurately represent the properties of coarse textured soils. For instance, coarse soils do not exhibit high nutrient retention; rather, their structure predisposes them to leaching, making them less capable of holding nutrients over time. Similarly, the erosion susceptibility of coarse textured soils can be significant due to their loose structure, leading to higher erosion rather than moderate susceptibility. Lastly, organic matter content in coarse textured soils tends to be lower because of the rapid decomposition and loss of organic materials, contrasting with fine