Water potential

Water potential is the potential energy of water per unit volume relative to pure water under reference conditions. It describes water's tendency to move because of osmosis, gravity, mechanical pressure and matrix effects such as capillary action. Usually represented by the Greek letter ψ, it helps in understanding water movement in plants, animals and soil. When flow is unrestricted, water moves from higher water potential to lower water potential.

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Definition

Potential energy of water per unit volume relative to pure water

Common symbol

ψ

Unrestricted movement

From higher to lower water potential