What happens during the field capacity of water in a growing medium?

During the field capacity of water in a growing medium, gravitational water, which is the excess water that drains due to gravity, is no longer present. At this point, the growing medium retains enough moisture for plant roots to access, which is essential for their development and nutrient uptake. Field capacity represents a state where the medium has retained water against gravitational forces, resulting in a balance between water retention and aeration.

This means that plant roots are able to utilize the water held within the soil particles effectively. If the growing medium reached a state where it was completely dry or had too much water, it would not be at field capacity but at other extremes that would hinder plant growth.

Understanding field capacity is crucial for greenhouse management since maintaining the right moisture levels is vital for plant health and maximizing growth potential.