FIELD CAPACITY Meaning and
Definition
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Field capacity is a term commonly used in soil science and agriculture to describe the amount of water that can be retained in a soil after excess water has drained away due to gravity. It refers to the maximum amount of water the soil can hold against the force of gravity.
To determine the field capacity of a soil, it is initially saturated with water and allowed to drain. As the water drains, the soil retains a certain amount of water, known as the field capacity. It represents the ideal moisture content for plant growth, as it allows for a balance between water availability and aeration within the soil.
Field capacity is influenced by several factors, including soil texture, structure, and organic matter content. Sandy soils generally have a higher field capacity due to larger pore spaces that can hold more water, while clayey soils have a lower field capacity due to smaller pore spaces. Soils with good structure and high organic matter content tend to have higher field capacities as well.
Understanding field capacity is crucial for irrigation management and water conservation in agriculture. It helps determine the appropriate timing and amount of irrigation needed for optimal plant growth. Additionally, field capacity is also used in hydrological studies to estimate water infiltration and runoff patterns, as it affects the movement of water through the soil profile.
Common Misspellings for FIELD CAPACITY
- dield capacity
- cield capacity
- vield capacity
- gield capacity
- tield capacity
- rield capacity
- fueld capacity
- fjeld capacity
- fkeld capacity
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- f9eld capacity
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- fiwld capacity
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- fiepd capacity
Etymology of FIELD CAPACITY
The word "field capacity" originates from the combination of two separate terms: "field" and "capacity".
The term "field" refers to an area or expanse of land. It comes from the Old English word "feld", which has Germanic origins.
The term "capacity" comes from the Latin word "capacitas", which means the ability to contain or hold something. It evolved through the French word "capacité" to English.
When these two terms are combined, "field capacity" refers to the maximum amount of water that soil can hold after excess water has drained away. The term is commonly used in agricultural or soil sciences to describe the water-holding capacity of soils under specific conditions.
Similar spelling words for FIELD CAPACITY
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