Which of the following is characteristic of a poorly drained soil?

A characteristic of poorly drained soil is that it tends to be anaerobic, meaning it has very little oxygen in the soil environment. This condition occurs because water saturates the soil and occupies the pore spaces that would otherwise contain air. In anaerobic conditions, certain chemical processes dominate, such as denitrification and the production of methane, which can be detrimental to plant health and nutrient availability.

In contrast, aerobic conditions, which offer plenty of oxygen, are typically found in well-drained soils that promote healthy root growth and beneficial microbial activity. Well-structured soils facilitate good drainage and aeration, allowing water to move through the soil efficiently. Fast-draining soils, connected to well-drained characteristics, would not exhibit the saturation seen in poorly drained soils. These contrasting conditions highlight the importance of drainage in soil health and crop production.