What does it mean when all air spaces between soil particles are filled with water?

When all air spaces between soil particles are filled with water, the condition is referred to as saturation. This occurs when the soil has absorbed as much water as it can hold, leaving no gaps for air. Saturated soil is crucial for various biological and chemical processes in the soil, but it can also lead to problems such as root suffocation and reduced oxygen availability for plants and soil organisms.

Understanding saturation is vital for land management and plant health, as it can influence drainage practices, irrigation schedules, and the selection of plant species suited for specific soil conditions. In contrast, aeration pertains to the presence of air in soil pores, drainage refers to the removal of excess water from the soil, and hydration is the process of water absorption by the soil. These terms relate to water content in different ways but do not specifically describe the condition of complete water saturation like this situation does.