soil water budget

What is a soil water budget

Shows the annual balance of the inputs and outputs in the water cycle and the impacts on soil water storage/availability

Why is it always changing

Season changes

What is soil water budget dependent on

1. Type of soil

2. Depth of soil

3. Permeability of soil/bedrock

What is field capacity

Maximum level of storage of water in soil

Explain soil water budget in winter

1. Potential evapotranspiration is at minimum due to colder temps

2. Precipitation continues to refill soil water stores

Explain soil water budget in spring

1. (FEB/MARCH) = plants start to grow again and potential evapotranspiration increases as temp grows warmer, photsynthesis increases

2. Still water surplus though

Explain summer for soil water budget

1. Soil moisture utilisation as potential evapotranspiration is at peak and precipiation is kept at minimum

2. Soil water stores are depleting

3. Water deficit may occur

Explain soil water budget in autumn

1. More precipitation than potential evapotranspiration as deciduous leaves are falling, cooler temps Precipitation continues= less photsynthesis

2. Soil moisture levels are increasing and water surplus may occur