These characteristics determine how well plants will grow in a particular soil. The texture of a soil determines the amount of air and water the soil can hold. Plant roots need liberal supplies of both.
Air is critical as a source of oxygen gas and as a repository for excess carbon dioxide gas.
These gases are needed for and produced by respiration in root cells, respectively. The roots then die, the plant wilts, and then dies. Large soil particles do not pack tightly and therefore provide air spaces in the soil. On the other hand, soil consisting of extremely fine particles packs tightly and permits little air in the soil to support root function. The water is a reactant in photosynthesis and a product of respiration.