SOIL Water-Holding Capacity

 SOIL Water-Holding Capacity

Soils must be able to retain moisture for plant growth. Soil moisture should be available to plants while maintaining proper aeration (not waterlogged) to support photosynthesis, transpiration, and nutrient uptake.

Maintaining adequate soil moisture during the growing season is critical for nutrient use efficiency. Soils with moisture deficiency, such as sandy soils, exhibit low water-holding capacity and high evaporation rates. The goal of soil moisture management is to maximize rainwater intake and maintain soil moisture near field capacity throughout the growing season.

Strategies to Maintain Soil Water Content:

Planting cover crops to slow runoff

Mulching with crop residues or plastic sheets to reduce evaporation losses and prevent drought stress, especially in subhumid regions

No-tillage practices with crop residue mulch on medium to coarse-textured soils to improve rainwater infiltration and reduce evaporation

Early sowing at the onset of the rainy season to optimize soil moisture use

Adjusting planting density to maximize soil moisture efficiency

Relay cropping and intercropping to maximize water use during the rainy season

Runoff harvesting and microcatchments to enhance soil moisture storage

Light tillage on crusted and compacted soils using a hand hoe or chisel plow to improve rainwater infiltration

Planting tree or grass barriers along contour bunds and terraces to reduce runoff and soil erosion on slopes

Recommended species:

*Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) – A fast-growing leguminous tree

*Vetiver (Vetiveria spp.) – A deep-rooting grass widely used for soil and water conservation in humid and subhumid region

By implementing these strategies, farmers can improve soil moisture retention, enhance crop productivity, and promote sustainable land management.

Regards, AgriHarvest Hub -Agriculturist

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