Describe the terms field capacity, capillary water, wilting point, and available water capacity.

Question: Define and explain the significance of the following terms related to soil water content and management for plant growth: field capacity, capillary water, wilting point, and available water capacity. Answer: Field capacity is the optimal water content in soil for plant growth, where water is held after excess water has drained away. Capillary water is the water held in soil through capillary forces and is the primary source of water for plants. Wilting point is the soil water content at which plants can no longer extract water, leading to wilting and potential death. Available water capacity (AWC) is a measure of water available for plant growth within a given soil, calculated by subtracting the wilting point from field capacity. These terms are all significant for soil water management in order to maintain healthy plant growth and maximize agricultural yield.