vandretention

Vandretention is the capacity of a system to store and regulate water, reducing runoff and maintaining soil moisture after precipitation. In hydrology, agriculture, and urban planning, it describes how landscapes, soils, and built environments retain water.

In soils, retention is governed by porosity, texture, structure, and organic matter. Clay-rich soils and organic amendments can increase field capacity and plant-available water, though drainage may be slower. Plant-available water equals field capacity minus wilting point. Water is held by capillary forces and adsorption; hysteresis can occur in wetting and drying cycles.

Engineering and landscape design use retention to manage floods, recharge groundwater, and sustain vegetation. Examples include retention basins, green roofs, permeable pavements, and rain gardens that store runoff and release it gradually. In agriculture, practices such as mulching, cover crops, reduced tillage, and organic amendments improve soil moisture retention.

Measurement uses soil moisture sensors, tensiometers, and soil-water retention curves, plus hydrological models to estimate infiltration, storage, and runoff. Limitations include finite storage capacity, seasonal variability, potential salinity buildup, and risk of oversaturation if drainage is blocked.

Vandretention is a key consideration for water security in variable climates and can be site-specific, balancing storage, drainage, and ecosystem health.