Soil Moisture Limits for Plant Growth

Soil Moisture Limits for Plant Growth


Field Capacity

                The soil moisture content at which all the gravitational water has been drained out of root zone. Usually the moisture content at 1/3 atmosphere tension is considered to be field capacity that is usually to be attained approximately 2 to 3 days after irrigation.

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Permanent Wilting Point

                The moisture content at which plant roots cease to extract soil moisture is called permanent wilting point. Usually the soil moisture contents at 15 atmospheres are considered to be permanent wilting point.

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Available Moisture

                The difference in moisture content between field capacity and permanent wilting point is considered available moisture. This is the moisture which plant can utilize without going through stress and is given by the question.
Available Moisture = Field Capacity – Permanent Wilting Point

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Net Available Moisture

                It is the difference in moisture content between the field capacity and actual moisture when irrigation is to be applied under MAD (Management Allowed Deficit). It is equivalent to the amount of moisture consumed by the plant which must be replenished during irrigation application.


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