1. Infiltration: This is the process by which water from the surface enters the soil. It occurs when the soil's pores are large enough to allow water to flow into them. The rate of infiltration is determined by the soil's texture, structure, and porosity.

2. Percolation: This is the process by which water moves through the soil profile. It occurs when the soil is saturated and the water table is high enough to allow water to move downward. The rate of percolation is determined by the soil's texture, structure, and hydraulic conductivity.

3. Capillary action: This is the process by which water moves upward through the soil profile. It occurs when the soil's pores are small enough to hold water against the force of gravity. The height to which water rises by capillary action is determined by the soil's texture and structure.

4. Adhesion: This is the process by which water molecules stick to the surface of soil particles. It occurs when the soil particles have a negative charge and the water molecules have a positive charge. The amount of water held by adhesion is determined by the soil's texture, structure, and organic matter content.

5. Osmosis: This is the process by which water molecules move from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration. It occurs when the soil solution has a higher concentration of dissolved solids than the water in the soil pores. The amount of water held by osmosis is determined by the soil's texture, structure, and organic matter content.

The combination of these mechanisms allows soil to absorb and hold water. The amount of water that is absorbed and held by the soil depends on the soil's texture, structure, porosity, organic matter content, and the amount of water that is available.