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Soil Retention Curve

The soil retention curve, also known as the soil-water characteristic curve, describes how tightly soil particles hold onto water at different moisture levels. It shows the relationship between the amount of water that remains in the soil and the soil’s ability to retain or release that water under varying conditions. This curve helps us understand how easily plants can access water, how quickly water drains through soil, and the soil’s capacity to hold water for different uses. It is a vital tool in fields like agriculture, hydrology, and environmental engineering to manage water resources effectively.