What is an effective soil amendment for enhancing water retention?

Organic matter is widely recognized for its capacity to enhance water retention in soils. When added to the soil, organic matter improves its structure, increasing the soil's ability to hold water and nutrients that are essential for plant growth. Organic matter, such as compost, decomposed leaves, or manure, creates a network of pores in the soil, allowing it to retain moisture more effectively. Additionally, it helps in binding soil particles together, which improves the overall aeration and drainage, contributing to a more balanced water availability for plants.

While other materials like clay can also improve water retention, they can lead to excessive compaction and reduced aeration if not managed properly. Sand, on the other hand, tends to increase drainage and can reduce water retention if added in large quantities. Perlite improves aeration and drainage but has limited capacity to hold water compared to organic matter. Therefore, organic matter stands out as the most effective amendment for significantly enhancing water retention in a variety of soil types.