Which of the following properties of soil determines its water-holding capacity? I. Texture II. pH III. Colour IV. Structure

The properties of soil that determine its water-holding capacity are texture and structure. Soil texture refers to the relative amounts of sand, silt, and clay in the soil. Soils with more clay have a greater water-holding capacity than soils with more sand. This is because clay particles are smaller and have a larger surface area than sand particles, allowing them to hold more water. Soil structure refers to the way that soil particles are arranged and held together. Soils with good structure, such as those with a lot of organic matter, tend to have more pore spaces that can hold water. On the other hand, soils with poor structure, such as those that have been compacted or that lack organic matter, tend to have fewer pore spaces and therefore a lower water-holding capacity. Soil pH and colour do not directly affect a soil's water-holding capacity, although they can indirectly influence it by affecting the health and activity of soil organisms that contribute to soil structure and organic matter content.