Question

Total amount of water present in the soil is called
(a) Chresard
(b) Hollard
(c) Echard
(d) None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: While watering plants, there exists a difference in the quantity of water used for absorption and the water held for moisture maintenance. The relationship between chresard, hollard, and echard are that chresard and echard combined, amount to hollard.

Complete answer:
The total amount of water present in the soil is called hollard. When plants are irrigated, they possess the capability of absorbing some water. This water is called ‘chresard’. However, there remains some water, unabsorbed by plants, and is drained out. This is known as ‘echard’

Additional Information:
 - All the available water in the soil is called soil water.
- This water maintains the texture of the soil.
- The organisms present in the ground are also supported by the soil water.
Different types of soil water:
Gravitational water: The free water moving down due to gravity is called gravitational water.
Hygroscopic water: Particles within the soil tightly hold water. This type is called hygroscopic water.
Capillary water: The water held by capillary force is called capillary water.
Combined water: Some amount of water is chemically held to the soil surface. This is known as combined water.
- Capillary water is available to plants for usage, but they cannot utilize hygroscopic and gravitational water.
So, the correct answer is ‘Hollard.’

Note:
- ‘Ech’ means to have, hold or hold back and ‘ard’ means to water or irrigate.
- ‘Chres’ means use or usage and ‘ard’ again is to water or irrigate.
- Capillary force: The ability of a liquid to flow without assistance or opposition from external forces like gravity is called capillary force. This is seen typically in narrow spaces.