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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the types of soil water, and which type is considered 'available soil water' for plants?
A
Soil water is classified as capillary and hygroscopic water only; available soil water refers to hygroscopic water.
B
Soil water is classified as gravitational, capillary, and hygroscopic water; available soil water refers to hygroscopic water.
C
Soil water is classified as gravitational, capillary, and hygroscopic water; available soil water refers to capillary water.
D
Soil water is classified as only gravitational and hygroscopic water; available soil water refers to gravitational water.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the classification of soil water. Soil water is typically categorized into three types: gravitational water, capillary water, and hygroscopic water. Each type has distinct characteristics and availability for plant use.
Step 2: Define gravitational water. Gravitational water is the water that drains quickly through the soil due to gravity. It is not considered available to plants because it moves out of the root zone too rapidly.
Step 3: Define hygroscopic water. Hygroscopic water is a thin film of water that tightly adheres to soil particles. It is unavailable to plants because it is held too strongly by the soil particles for roots to absorb.
Step 4: Define capillary water. Capillary water is held in the small pores of the soil and is available to plants because it is not bound too tightly to the soil particles, allowing roots to absorb it.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct classification of soil water includes gravitational, capillary, and hygroscopic water, and the type considered 'available soil water' for plants is capillary water.