Geography & History Notes | KCSE, NECTA, ZIMSEC & GCSE

  T he following are types of soil water movement infiltration soil water movement infiltration is the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil. infiltration rate in soil science is the measure of the rate at which soil is able to absorb rainfall or irrigation. it is measured in inches per hour or millimeter per hour. the rate decreases as the soil becomes saturated infiltation can be visualized by pouring water into grass filled with dry powdered soil, slightly tamped. the water seeps into the soil and becomes darker as it is wetted factors affecting the infiltration rate the following factors affects the infiltration rate of soil water or moisture in the soil the soil moisture content: the soil water infiltrate faster (high infiltration rate) when the soil is dry than when it is wet.as the consequence, when irrigation water is applied to a field the water at first infiltrate easily, but as the soil becomes wet, the inflitration rate decreases. soil texture: co...

  soil water is water available for consumption by plants . Soil water has been classified from a physical and biological point of view as Physical classification of soil water, and biological classification of soil water.   Physical classification of soil water Gravitational water Gravitational water occupies the larger soil pores (macro pores) and moves down readily under the force of gravity. Water in excess of the field capacity is termed gravitational water. Gravitational water is of no use to plants because it occupies the larger pores. It reduces aeration in the soil. Thus, its removal from soil is a requisite for optimum plant growth. Soil moisture tension at gravitational state is zero or less than 1/3 atmosphere. Factors affecting gravitational water Texture: Plays a great role in controlling the rate of movement of gravitational water. The flow of water is proportional to the size of particles. The bigger the particle, the more rapid is the flow or movement. B...

  Water contained in the soil is called soil moisture . The water is held within soil pores. The soil moisture is the key factor in determining how the soil of the region support vegetation and crops.If the moisture content of the soil is optimum for plant growth, plant can readily absorb soil water.  Not all water held in the soil is readily available to the plants. Much of the water remain in the soil as thin film. Soil water dissolves salts and make up the soil solution, which is very important as the medium for supply of nutrients to growing plants The following are 7 importance of soil moisture/water. Soil moisture serves as the the solvent and carrier of food nutrients for plants growth.  Soil moisture help to regulate soil temperature  Soil water is the principle constituent of the growing plants  Soil water is essential for the photosynthesis.  Micro organism require water for their metabolic activities.  Soil water helps in chemical an...