Soil Quiz 5

What is the relationship between bulk density and porosity?

Inverse, Soil porosity = (1-(BD/2.65))*100

How do we calculate particle density

1. weigh in air and then in water

2. (weight in air) - (weight in water) = volume

3. weight in air / volume = particle density

Water energy state is described as

Water potential

Total water potential is comprised of 

Matric potential, hydrostatic potential, osmostic potential, gravitational potential

Saturated soil

all pores water filled (including gravitational water)

Field capacity

Larger pores have emptied (plant available and non available water present; gravitational water has drained away)

Wilting coefficient

water remaining is not plant available

what is holding the water in soil pores?

capillarity

What forces give rise to capillarity?

adhesion and cohesion

Plant available water

Is the difference in water percent at field capacity and at permanent wilting point