Wilting point
The minimum soil moisture level required for a plant not to wilt, below which water is held so tightly by soil particles that it becomes unavailable to roots.
Также говорят: permanent wilting point, wilting coefficient
The permanent wilting point is essential for irrigation scheduling, as it defines the limit of available water capacity. Understanding this threshold helps farmers maintain optimal soil moisture, ensuring that crops do not reach the stage of irreversible physiological damage.
Practically, this value influences the frequency and volume of water applications. When soil moisture approaches the wilting point, the plant undergoes severe stress, closing its stomata and halting photosynthesis, which directly limits yield potential.
A common mistake in farm management is waiting for visible wilting before starting irrigation. By the time wilting symptoms appear, the plant has already experienced significant metabolic stress. It is recommended to monitor the soil moisture status using sensors to intervene well before the wilting point is reached.