Water Potential Calculator

Free calculate water potential in plants using solute potential, pressure potential, and matric potential.

Water Potential Analysis

Water Potential Results

Enter parameters to calculate water potential

Water Potential Components

Solute Potential (Ψs)

  • • Due to dissolved solutes
  • • Always negative
  • • Ψs = -iCRT
  • • Reduces water potential
  • • Depends on concentration

Pressure Potential (Ψp)

  • • Due to turgor pressure
  • • Can be positive or negative
  • • Positive in turgid cells
  • • Negative in xylem
  • • Affects cell expansion

Matric Potential (Ψm)

  • • Due to surface forces
  • • Important in soil
  • • Always negative
  • • Affects water retention
  • • Depends on soil texture

Typical Water Potential Ranges

System Water Potential Conditions
Pure Water 0 MPa Reference standard
Well-Watered Plant -0.2 to -0.5 MPa Turgid cells
Stressed Plant -1.0 to -2.0 MPa Water deficit
Soil Water -0.01 to -1.5 MPa Field capacity to wilting

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