Why does clay soil retain water longer than sand soil?

Clay soil retains water longer than sand soil because of its smaller particle size and higher surface area. The small particles in clay soil are packed closely together, creating tiny spaces where water can be trapped and held. This allows clay soil to hold onto water more effectively and for a longer period of time compared to sand soil, which has larger particles and fewer spaces for water to be retained. Additionally, clay soil has a higher cation exchange capacity, which means it can hold onto nutrients and water more effectively than sand soil.