What is the degree to which soil moisture falls below field capacity?

• A. Field capacity
• B. Wilting point
• C. Soil moisture deficit
• D. Soil moisture recharge

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that field capacity is a reference moisture level—the amount of water the soil holds after gravity drainage has ceased. The difference between that level and the actual water content of the soil is called the soil moisture deficit. It tells you how much water is needed to bring the soil back up to field capacity, which is essential for irrigation planning and understanding plant water stress.

Wilting point is a much lower moisture level where plants can’t recover; it’s not the measure of how far below field capacity you are. Soil moisture recharge refers to the process of restoring moisture in the soil, not the amount of deficit itself.