 In addition to adequate rainfall, soil water holding capacity is important for high yields, especially in dry periods—in fact Roncucci et al.reports approximately two times better yield for miscanthus planted in silty clay loam compared to sandy loam soil (Italy) after a relatively normal growing season precipitation wise, and approximately six times better yield after a growing season containing severe drought.The authors note that in soils with poor water holding capacity, irrigation in the establishment season is important because it allows the roots to reach far deeper underground, thereby increasing the plants' ability to collect water.