======Soil Field Capacity======


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**Alternative titles:** Soil Water Retention
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Collect several soil samples (e.g., sand, clay, loam, potting soil).  
  - Place filter paper inside a funnel and position the funnel over a flask or beaker.  
  - Add a measured amount of dry soil to the funnel.  
  - Slowly pour water into the soil until it is saturated and water begins to drip through.  
  - Allow the soil to drain until no more water flows from the funnel.  
  - Record the volume of water collected in the flask.  
  - Calculate how much water each soil type retained by subtracting the drained water volume from the amount added.  
  - Compare the field capacity of the different soils.



====Links==== 
Soil Water Holding Capacity Determination Practical Experiment - ThomasTKtungnung: 
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Soil Available Water Capacity Demonstration - WSU CAHNRS: 
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====Variations====
  * Test soils mixed with organic matter (e.g., compost) to see how it affects water retention.  
  * Use different grain sizes of sand to compare coarse versus fine textures.  
  * Investigate how soil compaction changes field capacity.  
  * Repeat the experiment with heated or dried soils to observe differences.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Wash hands after handling soil to avoid exposure to microbes.  
  * Ensure glassware is handled carefully to avoid breakage.  
  * Clean and properly dispose of soil and filter paper after the experiment.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why do different soils hold different amounts of water? (Differences in particle size, porosity, and organic content affect water retention.)  
  * Which type of soil would be best for growing crops in dry conditions? (Soils with higher field capacity, such as loam or soils with organic matter, retain more water.)  
  * Why is it important for farmers and gardeners to understand soil field capacity? (It helps manage irrigation and prevent overwatering or drought stress.)