Soil Water

Soil Water

Soil Water
Water is a very important constituent of soil since all biological phenomena need water. Nutrients are dissolved in water and can be made available to the plant roots only in the form of soil solution. Soil water regulates physical, chemical arid biological properties of soil. Major portion of water absorption by the plant roots is through the soil.

The sources of soil water include rainfall, rivers, wells and ponds. The different forms of soil water include the following:

Gravitational water It is that water which moves under the influence of gravity down the macropores. It is harmful to the plants since it removes the nutrients from the soil.

Capillary water It is that water that binds at the soil surface and is directly available to the plant roots since it is found within the micropore space in the soil.

Hygroscopic water It is in the form of vapour and is not available for plant growth.

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