A tensiometer is used to measure what in soil?

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Multiple Choice

A tensiometer is used to measure what in soil?

Explanation:
A tensiometer measures the tension (negative pressure) of soil water, i.e., the matric potential that roots must overcome to extract water. It works with a water-filled tube and a porous ceramic tip placed in the soil; as the soil wets or dries, water moves to balance the pressure, and the gauge reads the negative pressure required to pull water from the soil. In moist conditions, the tension is small (near zero); as the soil dries, the matric potential becomes more negative, and the tensiometer reading increases in suction. This measurement tells you how available the water is to plant roots and is used to guide irrigation scheduling. It doesn’t assess soil texture, nutrient concentration, or temperature, which require other tools and methods.

A tensiometer measures the tension (negative pressure) of soil water, i.e., the matric potential that roots must overcome to extract water. It works with a water-filled tube and a porous ceramic tip placed in the soil; as the soil wets or dries, water moves to balance the pressure, and the gauge reads the negative pressure required to pull water from the soil. In moist conditions, the tension is small (near zero); as the soil dries, the matric potential becomes more negative, and the tensiometer reading increases in suction. This measurement tells you how available the water is to plant roots and is used to guide irrigation scheduling. It doesn’t assess soil texture, nutrient concentration, or temperature, which require other tools and methods.

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