📏 Measurement & Units

The maps quantify gravimetric soil water content—that is, the total water present in the soil by weight. This value represents the full profile of soil water, regardless of crop usability.

 

💧 Estimating Plant-Available Water (PAW)

To estimate plant-available water, follow these steps:

1. Identify Soil Type
   First, classify the soil as sandy, loamy, or clay-heavy, since water retention varies significantly.
2. Use Field Capacity (FC) and Permanent Wilting Point (PWP)
   Use the difference between:
   • Field Capacity (FC) – water retained after drainage
   • Permanent Wilting Point (PWP) – threshold below which plants can’t absorb water
3. Apply to Map Values
   Multiply the map value (in mm/ha) by the corresponding available water percentage (FC – PWP) for each soil type.

Example:

1. • Clay Soil: FC = 35%, PWP = 17% → Available = 18%
   • Sandy Soil: FC = 9%, PWP = 4% → Available = 5%
   • 
     

🗺️ Available Water Maps by Soil Type

Sandy Soil (Suelo Arenoso)

• 30 cm depth – intervals every 5 mm
• 50 cm depth
• 50 cm depth – intervals every 10 mm
• 55 cm depth

Loam Soil (Suelo Franco)

• 30 cm depth
• 50 cm depth
• 55 cm depth

Heavy Soil (Suelo Pesado)

(Clayey, clay-loam, and/or silty soils)

• 30 cm Depth
• 50 cm depth
• 55 cm depth

🚿 Irrigation Planning

For systems with complementary irrigation, these maps allow for:

• Accurate irrigation timing based on crop and depth
• Water-saving strategies through adjusted scheduling
• Improved crop health under dry conditions

🌿 Why Use These Maps?

• Optimize irrigation
• Identify early water stress
• Support drought-resistant management
• Reduce water waste

📩 If you need help selecting the right water maps for your soil, contact our team for personalized support or technical advice.