What does AWHC mean in UNCLASSIFIED
Available Water Holding Capacity (AWHC) refers to the amount of water that a soil can hold that is available for plant use. It is a critical factor in determining the water availability for plants and the overall productivity of a soil.
AWHC meaning in Unclassified in Miscellaneous
AWHC mostly used in an acronym Unclassified in Category Miscellaneous that means Available Water Holding Capacity
Shorthand: AWHC,
Full Form: Available Water Holding Capacity
For more information of "Available Water Holding Capacity", see the section below.
Meaning of AWHC
- Available Water: This is the water that plants can extract from the soil for their growth and survival.
- Holding Capacity: This is the ability of the soil to retain water against the force of gravity.
Factors Affecting AWHC
- Soil Texture: Sandy soils have lower AWHC compared to clay soils due to larger pore sizes.
- Soil Structure: Well-aggregated soils with good porosity have higher AWHC.
- Organic Matter Content: Organic matter increases the water-holding capacity by improving soil structure.
- Depth of Soil: Deeper soils have greater AWHC as they provide more space for water storage.
Importance of AWHC
- Plant Growth: Adequate AWHC ensures a continuous supply of water to plants, promoting healthy growth and yield.
- Water Conservation: Soils with high AWHC can store more water, reducing the need for frequent irrigation.
- Erosion Control: Soils with high AWHC are less susceptible to erosion as the water is held within the soil particles.
Essential Questions and Answers on Available Water Holding Capacity in "MISCELLANEOUS»UNFILED"
What is Available Water Holding Capacity (AWHC)?
Available Water Holding Capacity (AWHC) refers to the amount of water that can be stored in soil and made available to plants. It is the difference between the amount of water that the soil can hold at saturation and the amount of water that is held after drainage.
How is AWHC determined?
AWHC is typically determined by subtracting the amount of water drained from the soil at field capacity from the amount of water held at saturation. Field capacity is the point at which the soil has drained freely of gravitational water but still retains water against the pull of gravity.
Why is AWHC important for plant growth?
AWHC is crucial for plant growth because it provides the water that plants need to survive and thrive. Plants absorb water from the soil through their roots, and the AWHC determines how much water is available to them. Soils with higher AWHC can store more water and provide a more stable water supply for plants, especially during periods of drought.
What factors affect AWHC?
Several factors can affect AWHC, including:
- Soil texture: Soils with smaller particles (e.g., clay) have higher AWHC than soils with larger particles (e.g., sand).
- Soil structure: Soils with good structure have higher AWHC than soils with poor structure.
- Organic matter content: Soils with higher organic matter content have higher AWHC because organic matter can hold water.
- Soil depth: Soils with greater depth have higher AWHC because they can store more water.
- Root development: Plants with extensive root systems can access water from a larger volume of soil, which can increase AWHC.
How can AWHC be improved?
Several practices can help improve AWHC, such as:
- Adding organic matter to the soil: Organic matter improves soil structure and water retention.
- Improving soil structure: Practices like no-till farming and cover cropping can help create a more stable soil structure with higher AWHC.
- Increasing soil depth: Removing compacted layers or adding soil amendments can increase soil depth and AWHC.
- Managing irrigation: Proper irrigation practices can help maintain soil moisture levels and improve AWHC over time.
Final Words: *AWHC is a crucial soil property that influences plant growth, water conservation, and erosion control. Understanding and managing AWHC is essential for sustainable land management and agricultural practices.