Chalk subsoil in Champagne has what effect on moisture in the soil?

• A. It holds moisture permanently making soils waterlogged.
• B. It blocks drainage.
• C. It repels water completely.
• D. It drains surface moisture and stores water.

Answer: (D)

Chalk subsoil provides a combination of excellent drainage with the ability to hold some water in reserve. Its porous, permeable structure lets surface moisture move quickly downward and away, preventing waterlogging after rain. At the same time, the fine pores in the chalk retain moisture through capillary action, giving vines access to water during drier periods. In Champagne, this means soils drain well yet still store enough moisture in the profile to support the vines between rains. So the effect is that chalk drains surface moisture and stores water. It doesn’t hold moisture permanently, block drainage, or repel water.