Seasonal Variations Of The Soil Water Budget

Question 1

What is the variation in the soil water budget in autumn?

Answer 1

Input from precipitation > output of evapotranspiration
Deciduous trees are losing this leaves and there is cooler temperatures so less photosynthesis
Soil moisture levels increase
Water surplus

Question 2

What is the variation in the soil water budget in winter?

Answer 2

Evapotranspiration is at its minimum as temperatures are at its lowest
Precipitation refills soil water stores
Infiltration and percolation refill the water table
Water surplus

Question 3

What is the variation in the soil water budget in spring?

Answer 3

Plants starting to regrow
Evapotranspiration and temperatures increasing
Photosynthesis increases
Still at water surplus

Question 4

What is the variation in the soil water budget in summer?

Answer 4

Hotter temperatures
Soil water evapotranspiration peaks
Rainfall is at its minimum
Output of evapotranspiration > input of precipitation
Soil water stores are depleting
Water deficit