41.2.4. Available Water

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is available water?

   Hint

   Think about what happens between these two points.

2. 2.

   Define field capacity.

   Hint

   It's the 'full' state after draining.

3. 3.

   What defines available water?

   • A. Total soil moisture
   • B. Difference between field capacity and permanent wilting point
   • C. The capacity of soil to hold water

   Hint

   Focus on what is available for plant use.

4. 4.

   True or False: Available water is the total water content of the soil.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about how plants interact with soil water.

5. 5.

   A farmer has a field with different soil layers. The top layer has a field capacity of 28% and a wilting point of 16%. The bottom layer has a field capacity of 35% and a wilting point of 20%. Calculate the total available water for both layers if they each hold 1000 liters of soil.

   Hint

   Calculate available water for each layer and sum them.

6. 6.

   Discuss the implications of available water in a scenario where a sudden drought occurs, particularly focusing on how farmers should adapt their strategies.

   Hint

   Think about agricultural practices during water scarcity.