What does stickiness in soil indicate?

Stickiness in soil primarily indicates the soil's ability to adhere to other objects. This characteristic is typically associated with clayey soils, which have a high proportion of clay particles. Clay minerals have high surface area and are cohesive, allowing them to stick together and stick to other materials. When soil is wet, the moisture acts as a lubricant, enhancing its stickiness. This property is crucial in determining how soil will behave when wet, affecting its drainage, compaction, and overall suitability for various construction or agricultural projects.

While the other options pertain to different soil properties, they do not directly relate to stickiness. Soil's capacity to retain moisture is tied more to its texture and structure rather than stickiness itself. Soil acidity does not influence stickiness, as it is a measure of pH, and nutrient content relates to the presence of essential elements rather than physical adherence. Understanding stickiness helps in assessing soil behavior during various applications, including constructing onsite wastewater systems where interactions with liquids are significant.