soil moisture
Quick Summary
Soil moisture refers to the water held within the soil, playing a crucial role in the water cycle and supporting plant life. When precipitation occurs, some water infiltrates the soil, while excess may become runoff. This stored soil moisture is then lost through evaporation back into the atmosphere or absorbed by plants for transpiration.
The amount of soil moisture is influenced by factors like precipitation rates, soil type, and plant cover. In regions with limited rainfall, such as those practicing dry farming, efficient storage and utilization of soil moisture are essential for crop cultivation. Soil moisture levels fluctuate, generally rising after rain and decreasing during dry periods with high evaporation and transpiration rates. The study of soil moisture is vital for understanding plant growth, erosion, and overall water balance in a catchment area.123
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plant diseaseSoil moistureHigh or low soil moisture may be a limiting factor in the development of certain root rot diseases. High soil-moisture levels favour development of destructive water mold fungi, such as species of Aphanomyces, Pythium, and Phytophthora. Excessive watering of houseplants is a common…
Read MoreHigh or low soil moisture may be a limiting factor in the development of certain root rot diseases. High soil-moisture levels favour development of destructive water mold fungi, such as species of Aphanomyces, Pythium, and Phytophthora. Excessive watering of houseplants is a common…
Read More- plant diseaseCultural practices
Adjustment of soil moisture is another cultural practice of widespread usefulness. For example, seed decay, damping-off (the destruction of seedlings at the soil line), and other seedling diseases are favoured by excessively wet soils. The presence of drain tiles in poorly drained fields and the use of…
Read MoreAdjustment of soil moisture is another cultural practice of widespread usefulness. For example, seed decay, damping-off (the destruction of seedlings at the soil line), and other seedling diseases are favoured by excessively wet soils. The presence of drain tiles in poorly drained fields and the use of…
Read More