Which soil separate has the lowest water holding capacity?

The soil separate with the lowest water holding capacity is sand. This is primarily due to its particle size and structure. Sand particles are larger and have less surface area in comparison to other soil types. As a result, sand has larger pore spaces, which means water drains through it quickly. This fast drainage does not allow for significant retention of moisture, making sand less effective at holding water.

In contrast, clay has very small particle sizes, which create a high amount of surface area and numerous tiny pores. This configuration allows clay to retain water effectively but can also lead to drainage issues. Silt falls between sand and clay regarding particle size and has a moderate water holding capacity. Loam, being a mixture of sand, silt, and clay, strikes a balance, providing significant water retention while still allowing for adequate drainage. Therefore, sand's characteristics clearly establish it as the soil separate with the least capacity for holding water.