Soil Hydrophobicity: An Overview

Abstract

Water is the most precious resource to Agriculture. The occurrence of soil hydrophobicity has drastically reduced the amount of water available for plant growth and crop production. Hydrophobicity is a phenomenon that reduces the affinity of soils for water. It occurs when the soil is not completely wettable. This paper presents a brief review of the method/characterization, impacts and amelioration/treatment of soil hydrophobicity. It also reviews the general causes and characteristics of soil hydrophobicity: organic matter decomposition, heating of the soils by wildfires, fungal and microbial activities, growth of particular vegetation species and soil characteristics. Adequate knowledge of these causes will be valuable in providing means of treating and cushioning the effects of soil hydrophobicity.