IPA: /ˈɛkərd/
KK: /ˈɛkərd/
Water in the soil that plants cannot absorb for their growth.
The echard in the soil made it difficult for the plants to thrive.
This word originates from Old French 'echard', meaning a splinter or a small piece of wood. It refers specifically to a small fragment or piece that has broken off from a larger object.
Think of a small 'splinter' or 'piece' that has broken off from something larger — that's what 'echard' refers to.