Soil moisture and soil geochemistry play crucial roles in determining plant growth and crop yields. Soil moisture refers to the presence and movement of water in the soil, while soil geochemistry involves the study of chemical elements and compounds present in the soil.
The most accurate measure of soil moisture is soil water content, which is the amount of water held in the soil. Soil water content can be expressed as a percentage of the total soil volume or as a weight-to-weight ratio. It is measured using various methods, including gravimetric, tensiometric, and dielectric techniques.
Several factors influence soil geochemistry, including:
Soil geochemistry affects soil fertility and plant nutrition. Essential elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are found in the soil in various forms. Understanding soil geochemistry helps farmers and land managers optimize soil conditions for crop growth.