In soil science, what is the downward movement of excess water by gravity after field capacity called?

Correct answer: Gravitational water movement or percolation

Correct answer: B, gravitational water movement or percolation. Field capacity is the approximate amount of water soil retains after excess water has drained away under gravity. If additional water enters, the soil pores contain water beyond what the soil can hold against gravity. That excess water moves downward through connected pores and may eventually contribute to groundwater recharge; this downward movement is called percolation or gravitational drainage. A is wrong because capillary action can hold or move water through small pores, often against gravity over short distances, but it is not the named process for excess drainage after field capacity. C is wrong because transpiration is water vapour loss from plant surfaces. D is wrong because surface tension is a property of a water surface, not the downward drainage process. Memory cue: after field capacity, extra water drains down.