Question

The water that is held by the soil particles at a suction of more than \(-31\) bars is known as

• A. Gravitational water
• B. Capillary water
• C. Hygroscopic water
• D. Available water

Hint:

Hygroscopic water is strongly held by soil particles and is not available to plants.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:
Soil water is classified on the basis of the force with which it is held by soil particles. The stronger the suction, the less available the water is to plants.

Step 1: Understand gravitational water.
Gravitational water moves downward through soil pores due to gravity and is generally not held strongly by soil particles.

Step 2: Understand capillary water.
Capillary water is held in small soil pores and is generally available to plants.

Step 3: Understand hygroscopic water.
Hygroscopic water is held very tightly on the surface of soil particles. It is held at very high suction and is not available to plants.

Step 4: Apply the given condition.
The question says water is held at suction of more than: \[ -31 \text{ bars} \] Such strongly held water is: \[ \text{Hygroscopic water} \] \[ \therefore \text{Correct Answer is (C)} \]