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Definition
The attraction of water molecules for each other.
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The attraction of water molecules for solid surfaces. [Also called adsorption] |
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Definition
A zone in the soil just above the plane of zero water pressure (water table) that remains saturated or almost saturated with water.
[The layer of stuff under suctional forces; like when you step in water and the water rises up your pant legs]
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Definition
The water held in the capillary or small pores of a soil. (book definition)
[See that handout; remember Pat's sponge example] |
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| The process by which water enters the soil pore spaces and becomes soil water. The rate at which water enters the soil is called the infiltration capacity and is measured in mm/s or cm/h. |
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Definition
| Water in the large pores; is free to percolate downwards under the influence of gravity. |
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Definition
"The percentage of water remaining in a soil 2 or 3 days after its having been saturated and after free drainage has practically ceased." [On the water content handout- "max plant available water" ie additional water is gravitational water] |
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Definition
| The upper surface of groundwater or that level below which soil is saturated with water. |
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Term
| Wilting Point (Permanent Wilting Point) |
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Definition
"The moisture content of soil at which plants wilt and fail to recover their turgidititity ; ) when placed in a dark, humid atmosphere." The point where the plant can no longer remove water. |
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Definition
The water held in soil by adhesion and cohesion.
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Definition
| When cohesion forces are not strong enough this water remains free and moves by gravity downward. |
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Definition
| A soil that is saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part. |
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