New method accurately predicts soil water retention for improved agricultural practices.
The researchers developed a simple method to estimate soil water retention and pore size using tension disc infiltrometer data. By analyzing infiltration data, they accurately predicted soil water retention characteristics within a specific range of soil pores. The method was tested on different soil types in the lab and field, showing good agreement with standard methods. This approach can be used to measure water retention and pore size in field soils, helping to understand changes in soil water dynamics over time.