The retention of moisture by soil is conditioned exclusively by capillary forces. Any division of soil water is merely conventional. Using the formula y = xT / x + qT to compute the final value of a process, it is important to note that the velocity of the phenomenon is given by 1/q • For the major soil types of the State of São Paulo it is possible to calculate the wilting point by means of the moisture equivalent using the formula Wp. = 0,68 M.Eq. In general, the formulae of Vageler and Alten for computing hygroscopicity by means of exchangeable-ions are inadequate. Different periods of exposure of soils to temperatures of 105° - 110°C. before determinations are made do not exert a pronounced influence on hygroscopicity. The highest values for water-holding capacity were obtained in the terra roxa legítima and the lowest in the Botucatu sandstone.