Question

The portion of water which is retained in the soil between field capacity \(\left(-\frac{1}{3}\ \text{bar}\right)\) and the permanent wilting coefficient \((-15\ \text{bar})\) is called:

• A. Unavailable water
• B. Available water
• C. Ice water
• D. Flood water

Hint:

Available water is the water held between field capacity and permanent wilting point.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:
Available water is the portion of soil water that plants can absorb and use for growth.

Step 1: Field capacity.
Field capacity is the amount of water retained in soil after excess gravitational water has drained away. \[ \text{Field capacity}\approx -\frac{1}{3}\ \text{bar} \]

Step 2: Permanent wilting point.
Permanent wilting point is the moisture level below which plants cannot recover turgidity. \[ \text{PWP}\approx -15\ \text{bar} \]

Step 3: Available water range.
Water present between field capacity and permanent wilting point is available water. \[ \text{Available water}=\text{FC}-\text{PWP} \] \[ \therefore \text{Correct Answer is (B)} \]