The ability of a soil to hold water is called its water holding capacity. This is all of the water held in the soil against the pull of gravity. The plants lose turgor. They will not revive unless immediately irrigated. This is called hygroscopic water.
Available water is that water that is available for the plants use.
Referring to the terms we have discussed, available water is that water in the soil between field capacity and the wilting point. It is not the same for all species of plants. Also, plants with deep roots are able to use water from deeper in soil when the surface area of soil is already dry. Place individual soil samples into each of the 3 clay pots. Place each clay pot into 1 of the pint jars.