Moisture Tension at Permanent Wilting Point

Moisture tension is the force that holds water in the soil against the force of gravity. At the permanent wilting point, the moisture tension is so high that plants are unable to extract water from the soil, leading to permanent wilting.

The commonly adopted moisture tension, in atmosphere, of a soil at permanent wilting point is 15. This means that at a moisture tension of 15 atmospheres, the soil has reached the permanent wilting point and plants are unable to extract water from the soil.

The moisture tension at permanent wilting point varies depending on the soil type, texture, and structure. Sandy soils have a lower moisture tension at permanent wilting point compared to clay soils. This is because sandy soils have larger pore spaces that allow water to drain easily, while clay soils have smaller pore spaces that hold water more tightly.

Knowing the moisture tension at permanent wilting point is important in agriculture as it helps farmers determine the water needs of their crops. Overwatering can lead to waterlogging and root rot, while under watering can lead to permanent wilting and reduced crop yields.

In summary, the commonly adopted moisture tension, in atmosphere, of a soil at permanent wilting point is 15. This value varies depending on soil type, texture, and structure, and is important in agriculture for determining crop water needs.