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Answer
Generally NO, as sand is not absorbent. Being ground up rock, sand can only capture water by adsorbtion [by surface tension] within in the interstices [spaces] between the grains. Soil on the other hand not only can capture some water by adsorbtion in the interstices, but because soil contains organic [plant] matter which can absorb water, soil can thus "hold" more water. AS far as I know and I'm no expert by any means, sand would not absorb water as much as soil in general. However this would largely depend on WHAT KIND OF SOIL. Clay based, sandy , loam, etc. Near to where I live there is about 6 meters of sand below us. Under that a natural water course runs. The water is very pure and can be consumed by humans directly from the ground should you pump it to the surface. After it rains the water seeps through the sand and is filtered by it. I assume this means that the sand will not absorb the water. This however could simply be because the sand itself is already saturated with water and can not absorb any more.
Answer
There are many types of sand, but for the most part, sand absorbs very little water compared to many other things found in soil. Clay can absorb a great deal more water than sand, and so can other organic materials in the soil. This is why sand is frequently used on the bottom of landscape beds for drainage. and is used in high rate sand filters for Swimming Pools. It is helpful, however, to be very specific about what you are comparing. For example, silicone based sand versus mulch soils that one can buy at the store. In this way, we can be certain to rule out any possible exceptions such as some types of gravel, that might be considered sand by some definitions, which have been developed for the express purpose of absorbing water. For the most part, however, it is safe to say that soil will absorb more water than sand.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoTechnically it doesn't !... The water molecules 'slot in-between' the sand particles.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoSand grains themselves don't absorb water, but the water clings to their surfaces and fills the spaces between them.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoIt absorbs heat by captivating the heat inside the sand.Bild a bear aproves of this message.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoSand does not actually absorb the water but allows it to filter through quicker than soil.
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoIt would depend on the type of sand. Common quartz sand does not react with water.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago- by the SUN
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Why does clayey soil absorb more water than sandy soil?
because sandy soil can absorb water only at a limit
Does soil absorb more water then gravel?
yes
Does soil or water absorb more light?
Soil absorbs more light than water does. Water is transparent, so light passes through it. Soil is opaque.
Which is more absorbent sand or potting soil?
sand because it absorbs a lot of water.
Which type of soil absorbs water more easily?
sand
Does sand absorb more heat sand or soil?
Though sand and soil have the same specific heat, sand absorbs more heat.
Does soil absorb more than sand?
Yes, sand is basically tiny bits of rock that do not absorb much.
Why do gardens mix sand into soil that have high constraints of clay?
This is the increase the level of porosity. Having more sand content allows for the soil to absorb water faster, shed excess water faster, and increase the soil's ability to take in oxygen and nitrogen.
Why does clayey soil absorb more water than sandy soil?
because sandy soil can absorb water only at a limit
Does grass absorb more water than soil?
no soil absorbs more
Does soil absorb more water then gravel?
yes
When it rains in the desert does the initial rain absorb or runoff?
If it is a slow and gentle rain, it will be absorbed by the soil or sand. If it is a sudden downpour the soil will not be able to absorb the water fast enough and it will run off.
Does soil or water absorb more light?
Soil absorbs more light than water does. Water is transparent, so light passes through it. Soil is opaque.
Why do soil absorb more water than sand?
Soil is much softer, has a rigid surface, and is made up of much smaller pieces than sand is, this lets the water get caught in the tiny spaces in the soil much easier due to surface tension. Sand on the other hand is hard, each grain has a slick surface, and is larger than soil, this makes it hard for water to get caught in the spaces because the spaces are too large.
Which is more absorbent sand or potting soil?
sand because it absorbs a lot of water.
Which type of soil absorbs water more easily?
sand
Would sandy soil lose water more quickly or would clay soil why?
Sand soil
