Moisture In Soil

Key Notes :

1. What is Soil Moisture?

  • Soil moisture refers to the amount of water present in the soil.
  • It is essential for the growth of plants as it provides the necessary hydration for roots to absorb nutrients.

2. Sources of Soil Moisture

  • Rainwater is the primary source.
  • Irrigation methods such as canals, sprinklers, and drip irrigation contribute to soil moisture.
  • Underground water that rises through capillary action also adds to soil moisture.

3. Importance of Soil Moisture

  • Maintains plant growth by supplying water to roots.
  • Helps in the germination of seeds.
  • Plays a crucial role in the nutrient cycle as water dissolves nutrients for plant uptake.
  • Prevents soil from becoming dry and compacted.

4. Types of Soil Based on Moisture Retention

  • Sandy Soil: Low moisture retention due to large particles and high drainage.
  • Clayey Soil: High moisture retention because of small particles and low drainage.
  • Loamy Soil: Balanced moisture retention, ideal for farming.

5. Factors Affecting Soil Moisture

  • Soil Type: Texture and composition determine how much water soil can hold.
  • Climate: Hot and dry regions lead to faster evaporation, reducing moisture.
  • Vegetation: Plants absorb water from soil, reducing moisture levels.
  • Topography: Water tends to drain away from slopes, reducing moisture in such areas.

6. How to Measure Soil Moisture?

  • Gravimetric Method: Drying soil samples and measuring water content by weight.
  • Soil Moisture Meters: Electronic devices that provide quick moisture readings.
  • Feel and Appearance Method: Checking the texture and color of the soil.

7. Conserving Soil Moisture

  • Mulching: Adding a layer of organic material to reduce evaporation.
  • Contour Plowing: Plowing along the contours to reduce water runoff.
  • Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting rainwater for irrigation.

8. Practical Experiment:

  • Objective: To observe moisture content in different types of soil.
  • Procedure:
    1. Take samples of sandy, clayey, and loamy soil.
    2. Add equal amounts of water to each sample.
    3. Observe and record the time taken for water to drain and the moisture retained.

9. Environmental Impact of Soil Moisture

  • Soil moisture is critical in preventing drought conditions.
  • It supports the ecosystem by maintaining plant and microbial life.

Let’s practice!