What does adsorption refer to in relation to soil?

Adsorption in relation to soil refers to the process by which substances, such as pesticides, adhere to the surface of soil particles. This characteristic of soil is crucial because it influences the mobility and availability of pesticides within the soil environment. When a pesticide is applied, it can either be adsorbed onto soil particles or remain in the soil solution. The ability of soil to hold pesticides (adsorption) is important for reducing the likelihood of these chemicals leaching into groundwater while also affecting their effectiveness in targeting pests.

Other concepts related to the soil, such as moisture retention capacity or the degradation rates of pollutants, do not directly pertain to adsorption. Moisture retention capacity refers to how well soil can retain water, and degradation rates refer to how quickly various substances break down in the soil, but neither addresses the phenomenon of particles adhering to soil. Therefore, the correct position on adsorption is that it reflects how well soil can immobilize substances like pesticides through adherence to its particles.