An agricultural field of 1 ha is ploughed to a depth of 15 cm. Two soils are under consideration.

Soil A: bulk density = 1.3 g cm⁻³, gravimetric field capacity = 30 %, gravimetric wilting point = 15 %.

Soil B: bulk density = 1.5 g cm⁻³, gravimetric field capacity = 28 %, gravimetric wilting point = 12 %.

(a) Calculate the available water storage (in cubic metres) for each soil.

(b) Which soil provides the greater water storage?

Question

An agricultural field of 1 ha is ploughed to a depth of 15 cm. Two soils are under consideration.

Soil A: bulk density = 1.3 g cm⁻³, gravimetric field capacity = 30 %, gravimetric wilting point = 15 %.

Soil B: bulk density = 1.5 g cm⁻³, gravimetric field capacity = 28 %, gravimetric wilting point = 12 %.

(a) Calculate the available water storage (in cubic metres) for each soil.

(b) Which soil provides the greater water storage?

Accepted Answer

Soil A: 292.5 m³; Soil B: 360 m³; Soil B provides greater storage

Gce Model Questions Vol1 2020 Geography Question 9