Which description best matches the field capacity concept?

• A. The minimum water content needed for growth
• B. The amount of water remaining after gravity drainage
• C. The water that drains freely from soil
• D. The maximum amount of water soil can hold without free water appearing on the surface

Answer: (D)

Field capacity is the moisture level the soil reaches after gravity drainage has occurred, and at which no free water remains on the surface. This describes the maximum amount of water the soil can hold under normal conditions without surface ponding, reflecting the point where gravity-driven drainage has ceased and capillary forces hold the remaining water. It sets the upper limit of readily available water for plants in the root zone (with additional context provided by the wilting point to define how much of that water plants can actually use).