Glossary
Definitions from the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
| Water table | The highest part of the soil or underlying rock material that is wholly saturated with water In some places an upper, or perched, water table may be separated from a lower one by a dry zone. |
| Water-breaks (or water bars) | A mound or small dikelike surface drainage structure, properly used only in closing retired roads to traffic and on fire lines and abandoned skid trails. |
| Weathering | All physical and chemical changes produced in rocks or other deposits at or near the earth's surface by atmospheric agents. These changes result in disintegration and decomposition of the material. |
| Well graded | Refers to soil material consisting of coarse grained particles that are well distributed over a wide range in size or diameter Such soil normally can be easily increased in density and bearing properties by compaction Contrasts with poorly graded soil. |
| Wilting point (or permanent wilting point) | The moisture content of soil, on an ovendry basis, at which a plant (specifically a sunflower) wilts so much that it does not recover when placed in a humid, dark chamber. |