Water Management in Horticultural Crops

Functions of water

• Solar radiation is the activating force on the earth.
• The spheres of the earth - lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere - one way or other constantly in the processes and functions through the abundant but important component of the earth, the water.
  
• The biosphere, besides solar radiation and hydrosphere, depends on lithosphere and atmosphere for its functions.
• Water is available in three phases.
  
• The most abundant is in liquid phase on the surface mostly and also below the surface.
  
• The other phases are in the atmosphere as vapour and solid phase which is common in polar and low temperature regions.
  
• The changes in phases are brought out by solar radiation.
  
• The conversions by the phases make vast scope in utilizing this resource for the welfare of mankind.