Water retention refers to the ability or inability of a soil to hold and retain water. This is an important characteristic for plants, as it determines how much moisture is available for their growth and survival. Soils with good water retention capacity can store large amounts of water, which can be used by plants during periods of drought or low rainfall. On the other hand, soils with poor water retention may not have enough water to support plant growth, leading to reduced productivity and health. Water retention is influenced by factors such as soil type, organic matter content, and soil structure.