Available water capacity
This is the amount of water in the soil that can be absorbed by plant roots, calculated as the difference between the soil moisture at field capacity and the permanent wilting point.
Также говорят: available water, plant-available water, soil water storage
Knowing the available water capacity is essential for strategic planning, especially in arid or semi-arid regions. It helps agronomists decide when to sow, how much irrigation is needed, and which crops are best suited for the current soil conditions.
Assessment is typically performed using soil samples or sensors during the pre-planting stage and peak vegetative growth. A common mistake is failing to account for the soil texture variations across the field, which leads to inaccurate water management decisions.
By maintaining a sufficient moisture buffer, producers can ensure better nutrient uptake and stable yields even during seasonal dry spells.