Mean potential soil water stock in the growing season for the 30-year period 1991-2020

The map shows the mean soil water stock (in %FK) in the growing season (April – September) for the 30-year period 1991-2020 calculated with the soil water balance model Bowab (for 0 – 60 cm).
For plants, water availability in the soil is a central element for growth. This availability of soil water depends on the type of soil and the amount of water stored in the soil. The latter is largely influenced by precipitation and temperature (or evaporation).
The soil water that can be used for plants is expressed as a percentage of the usable field capacity (%FK). A value of 100 % nFK or more means the storage capacity of the soil for plant-available water is achieved. From about 40 % nFK, irrigation of arable crops is recommended in order to achieve an optimal yield.