Soil Water Budget

Question 1

what is it

Answer 1

it shows the annual balance between inputs and outputs in the water cycle and their impact on the soil and how much water it can store

Question 2

what factors affect it

Answer 2

amount of rainfall
seasons or climate latitudes
dependency type - clay or sandy
permeability of bed and bottom rock
depth of soil

Question 3

what happens in autumn

Answer 3

less evapotranspiration due to a greater input from precipitation. trees lose leaves so photosynthesis reduces so soil moisture increases resulting in a water surplus

Question 4

what happens in winter

Answer 4

evapotranspiration reaches its minimum as temperatures get colder. precipitation will refill the soil water stores, potential for maximum field capacity. the groundwater table is refilled as the water infiltrates and percolates through the ground

Question 5

what happens in spring

Answer 5

still in a water surplus, more evapotranspiration as plants begin to grow, increased photosynthesis

Question 6

what happens in summer

Answer 6

evapotranspiration reaches its maximum and rainfall reaches its minimum, more photosynthesis and possible droughts. soil water stores are depleted and there’s the potential for a water deficit.