What two forces are responsible for holding water in the soil?

The correct choice is adhesion and cohesion, which are two fundamental forces that work together to hold water in the soil.

Cohesion refers to the attraction between water molecules themselves, which allows them to stick together. This quality helps to create surface tension and keeps water molecules from simply separating and moving away from each other. As a result, when water is present in soil, cohesive forces contribute to the formation of water droplets and contribute to the overall water retention capacity of the soil.

Adhesion, on the other hand, is the attraction between water molecules and the soil particles. This force enables water to cling to the surfaces of soil particles, which is essential for water retention. When soil particles have moisture, the adhesive properties of water ensure that it remains bound to those particles, preventing it from draining away too quickly.

Together, these forces enable soil to retain moisture, which is vital for plant health and growth. They play a crucial role in maintaining the water balance necessary for various biological processes in the soil and supporting plant life.

The other options, such as absorption and evaporation, refer to processes rather than forces that hold water in the soil, while dew and frost are unrelated phenomena that don't directly contribute to water retention within the soil.