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Water in soil moves from points where it has a relatively high energy status to points where its energy status is lower. Two factors determine the energy status of water at any given point in a non-saline soil. The first factor is the elevantioal position in the soil relative to a reference level. The higher an object is located above the reference level, the higher is its gravitational energy. This is true also of any given quantity of water in soil: the higher the water is located in the soil profile, the higher is its gravitational energy (g). Gravitational energy is expressed as the number of centimeters (or inches) above or below an arbitrarily chosen reference level.

The second factor determining the energy status of water is the water's pressure head (h) , as discussed in part 2. Pressure heads are negative in unsaturated soil where not all the pores are water-filled. Those that are water- filled act in a manner similar to capillaries and exert suction on water. On the other hand, pressure head can be positive, as occurs in the saturated zone below the surface of the water in soil (the "water table"). There, all or nearly all (allowing for some trapped air) pores are filled with water. Pressure head is equal to zero (h =0) at the water table. It becomes progressively higher (more positive) with increasing distance below the water table. Pressure head becomes progressively lower (more negative) with increasing distance above the water table.

The hydraulic head (H) at a given point in the soil is equal to the sum of the gravitational and pressure heads, at that point, as illustrated schematically in Figure 1 for selected conditions.

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Beulah Skiles

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Which of the following has the greatest effect on the ability of soil to hold water?

Soil texture has the greatest effect on the ability of soil to hold water. Fine-textured soils like clay hold more water than coarse-textured soils like sand because of their higher surface area and smaller particle size, which allows for more water retention.


What is the greatest effect on ability of soil to hold water?

Soil texture has the greatest effect on the ability of soil to hold water. Soils with high clay content have better water-holding capacity compared to sandy soils. Organic matter content also plays a significant role in improving soil's ability to hold water.


What is the negative effect of tilling include?

Tilling can lead to soil erosion, disrupt soil structure, and decrease soil organic matter content. This can result in loss of nutrients, compaction, and reduced water retention capacity in the soil.


How does leaching effect soil?

Leaching can decrease soil fertility by removing nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from the soil. It can also lead to soil degradation by increasing soil erosion and reducing the soil's ability to support plant growth. Additionally, leaching can contribute to groundwater contamination when excess nutrients or chemicals are washed into the soil.


What is a negative effect that people have on soil?

One negative effect people have on soil is erosion due to deforestation, agriculture practices, or construction activities. This can lead to loss of topsoil, reduced soil fertility, and increased sediment runoff into water bodies.

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