Which statement best describes the effect of increasing aggregate stability on soil properties?

• A. Infiltration and water holding capacity.
• B. Color and fragrance.
• C. EC and pH.
• D. Soil depth.

Answer: (A)

Increasing aggregate stability strengthens soil structure so that pore spaces remain open and resist collapse when wet or subjected to pressure. This improves how water moves into the soil (infiltration) and how much water the soil can hold against gravity (water holding capacity). In practice, stable aggregates prevent crusting and puddling, promoting steady infiltration and greater storage of water in the root zone for plants. The other options aren’t driven by soil structure in the same way: color and fragrance are largely unrelated to how well aggregates hold together; electrical conductivity and pH reflect chemical soil properties rather than physical stability; soil depth is determined by geology and horizon development rather than aggregate stability.