Includes bibliographical references and index.

The role of water in plant life -- The role of water in soil -- The interdependence of soil water and vegetation -- Properties and energy state of water -- Water storage and movement in soil -- The root, the plant's organ for water uptake -- The water balance of the plant -- The plant as a link between soil and atmosphere : an overview -- Water use by crops -- Radiationa dn dry matter production -- Water use and dry matter production -- Influence of nutrient supply on water use and establishment of yield -- Development of economic yield under inadequate water supply -- Water stress in plants -- Climatic factors influencing yield -- Breeding for yield and water use -- Controlling the soil's water balance by soil management -- Controlling water use by crop management -- Irrigation.