The native flora does little to help the soil retain water.

This practice probably helps the soil retain moisture and thereby facilitates seed germination.

When more water is added than the soil can retain, the excess drains.

Black soil retains moisture and is often used for the cultivation of cotton.

This makes sure the soil will retain some moisture but not get boggy.

The soil cannot retain water which prevents anything from growing.

The term "field capacity" is used to describe the maximum amount of water that deeply moistened soil will retain after normal drainage.

Soil amendment- Most plants will benefit from the use of compost, which will help the soil retain water.

A rich, fertile, organic soil will retain moisture by virtue of the fact that it is alive.

Finally, crushed stones, which in this area contain sea fossils, cover the soil to prevent other vegetation from growing and to retain moisture.