Water retention curves

A water retention curve, also known as a soil moisture characteristic curve, illustrates how much water soil can hold at different moisture levels. It shows the relationship between the soil's water content and the moisture tension, which is the effort required for plants to extract water. As soil dries, it retains less water, making it harder for plants to obtain it. Understanding this curve helps farmers and scientists gauge soil health, predict plant growth, and manage irrigation effectively, ensuring that plants receive adequate water for optimal development.