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Field Capacity of Water Formula:
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The field capacity of water is the amount of water remaining in a soil after it has been thoroughly saturated and allowed to drain freely, usually for one to two days. It represents the maximum amount of water the soil can hold against gravity.
The calculator uses the Field Capacity formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the field capacity by relating the unit weight of water and depth of root zone to the dry unit weight of the soil.
Details: Field capacity is a crucial parameter in agriculture and soil science as it helps determine the water-holding capacity of soil, irrigation requirements, and optimal water management for plant growth.
Tips: Enter unit weight of water in N/m³, depth of root zone in meters, and dry unit weight of soil in N/m³. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is the typical range for field capacity values?
A: Field capacity values typically range from 0.1 to 0.4, depending on soil type and composition.
Q2: How does soil type affect field capacity?
A: Clay soils generally have higher field capacity than sandy soils due to their smaller particle size and greater water retention ability.
Q3: Why is field capacity important for irrigation planning?
A: Field capacity helps determine when to irrigate and how much water to apply to avoid waterlogging or drought stress in plants.
Q4: How is field capacity measured in the field?
A: Field capacity is typically measured by saturating a soil sample, allowing it to drain for 24-48 hours, then measuring the water content.
Q5: Can field capacity change over time?
A: Yes, field capacity can change due to soil compaction, organic matter content, and management practices that affect soil structure.