Field capacity is

Options

A. the same as permanent wilting point
B. the amount of water in soil after drainage takes place
C. higher for sandy soils than clay soils
D. the amount of water in soil available to plants

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Field Capacity**: Field capacity refers to the amount of soil moisture or water content that remains in the soil after excess water has drained away. This is the water that is held in the soil pores against the force of gravity.

2. **Drainage Process**: After a rainfall or irrigation, the soil initially holds more water than it can retain. Over time, excess water drains away, and the soil reaches a state where the gravitational water has moved out. The remaining water is what we refer to as field capacity.

3. **Time Frame**: Typically, field capacity is reached within 2 to 3 days after heavy rainfall or irrigation, as the soil stabilizes and excess water drains out.

4. **Evaluating Options**:
- **Option A**: "Field capacity is the same as permanent wilting point" - This is incorrect. The permanent wilting point is the stage where plants can no longer extract water from the soil.
- **Option B**: "The amount of water in soil after drainage takes place" - This is the correct definition of field capacity.
- **Option C**: "Higher for sandy soils than clay soils" - This is incorrect. Clay soils typically have a higher field capacity due to their smaller particle size and greater surface area.
- **Option D**: "The amount of water in soil available to plants" - This is also incorrect, as field capacity is not synonymous with the water available to plants, which can vary.

5. **Conclusion**: The correct answer to the question "Field capacity is" is **"the amount of water in soil after drainage takes place."**

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