Water Movement Based on Soil Moisture Levels

a. Wet Soil:

• Water occupies larger pores and is not tightly bound to soil particles.
• Water molecules have high energy (close to free water) and greater freedom of movement.

b. Dry Soil:

• Water is held in small pores and thin films, tightly adsorbed by soil particles.
• Water molecules have low energy and restricted movement.

c. Water Movement:

• When wet and dry soils come into contact, water flows from wet (high energy) to dry (low energy) soil until equilibrium is reached.
• This movement is driven by differences in soil water potential, where water always moves from higher to lower potential.