How does the consistence of soil change when it is wet?

The consistence of soil refers to its physical properties, particularly how it feels and behaves under different moisture conditions. When soil becomes wet, the water fills the pore spaces between soil particles, which leads to a reduction in friction and an increase in the lubricating effect of the moisture. This increased moisture content causes the soil particles to move more freely relative to one another, resulting in a looser texture.

In its wet state, soil generally becomes more pliable and can easily change shape or form. The increased water content reduces the mechanical stability of the soil, allowing it to feel softer and less compact compared to when it is dry. Therefore, the correct answer highlights that wet soil takes on a loose consistence, which is particularly important to understand in soil analysis and management practices.

Other choices do not correctly reflect how wet soil behaves. For instance, the idea that soil remains unchanged contradicts the fundamental principles of soil physics, as water significantly affects the interaction between particles. Additionally, the notion that soil becomes more rigid or stays dry when wet does not align with empirical observations of soil behavior in varying moisture conditions.