27.2.4. Moisture Content of Soil

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does moisture content refer to?

   Hint

   Think about how much water soil can hold.

2. 2.

   What happens to infiltration when the soil is saturated?

   Hint

   Consider what happens to the pores in soil.

3. 3.

   What effect does moisture content have on soil infiltration?

   • Increased moisture increases infiltration
   • Decreased moisture increases infiltration
   • Saturated soils reduce infiltration

   Hint

   Think about what happens when soils are filled with water.

4. 4.

   True or False: Dry soils have a lower initial infiltration rate.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider what happens when soil is dry versus wet.

5. 5.

   How would you approach developing an irrigation plan for a region characterized by fluctuating rainfall? What role does soil moisture content play?

   Hint

   Consider both the demand of crops and the supply from rainfall.

6. 6.

   Design a plan to mitigate flood risks in a watershed with high saturation levels. What strategies could be employed?

   Hint

   Think about ways to ‘slow down’ water flow into streams.