HORTICULTURE

Detailed explanation-1: -The pore space of a soil is defined as the portion of the soil volume occupied by air and water. It refers to the percentage of soil volume occupied by pore spaces. Pore-spaces directly control the amount of water and air in the soil and indirectly influence the plant growth and crop production.

Detailed explanation-2: -Soil pore spaces are generally filled with water, air, and biota. Their relative amounts change as the soil wets and dries (figures 5.1, 5.3). On the wet extreme, when all pores are filled with water, the soil is water saturated and the exchange of gases between the soil and atmosphere is very slow.

Detailed explanation-3: -Soil porosity refers to the fraction of the total soil volume that is taken up by the pore space (Nimmo, 2004). Mainly, pore spaces facilitate the availability and movement of air or water within the soil environment.

Detailed explanation-4: -Capillary water is held in pores that are small enough to hold water against gravity, but not so tightly that roots cannot absorb it. This water occurs as a film around soil particles and in the pores between them and is the main source of plant moisture.