Pedotransfer Functions

Pedotransfer functions (PTFs) are tools used in soil science to estimate certain soil properties based on easily measurable characteristics. For example, if a researcher knows the soil's texture or density, a PTF can predict properties like water retention or nutrient availability. This is helpful in agriculture, environmental studies, and land management, allowing scientists and farmers to make informed decisions without needing to conduct extensive and often expensive lab tests for every soil sample. Essentially, PTFs help translate basic soil information into practical insights about how that soil will behave in different situations.