42.1. Soil Water in the Unsaturated Zone

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is gravitational water?

   Hint

   Think about how water moves through different layers.

2. 2.

   What type of water is available for plant use?

   Hint

   Consider which water type is held tightly yet accessible.

3. 3.

   What type of water drains quickly and is unavailable to plants?

   • A) Capillary Water
   • B) Hygroscopic Water
   • C) Gravitational Water

   Hint

   Think about water movement due to gravity.

4. 4.

   True or False: Capillary water is the primary water source for plants.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Remember the primary source for plant uptake.

5. 5.

   A farmer has sandy soil with a field capacity of 15% and a wilting point of 5%. How much available water can the crops access?

   Hint

   Use the formula for available water.

6. 6.

   Discuss how irrigation practices can be modified based on the understanding of capillary water and field capacity in clay versus sandy soils.

   Hint

   Consider how retention time affects agricultural planning.