The ratio of the quantity (by weight) of water in a given volume of soil mass to the weight of the soil solids, typically expressed as a percentage.
the percentage volume of water in a lens material by weight; also known as hydration.
(Also called free-water content, liquid water content.) The liquid water present within a sample of snow (or soil), usually expressed in percent by weight. The water content in percent of water equivalent is 100 minus the quality of snow. Compare snow density.
Water content is a ratio used in hydrogeology, soil science and soil mechanics to indicate the amount of water a porous medium contains. In saturated groundwater aquifers, all available pore spaces are filled with water (volumetric water content = porosity). Above a capillary fringe, pore spaces have air in them too.