Osmotic and matric potentials are commonly negative because the soil water has a lower energy level than that of pure water.

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Osmotic and matric potentials are negative because they represent the energy required to move water from a solution with a lower energy level (soil water) to a solution with a higher energy level (pure water). Therefore, the potentials are expressed as negative values.

Osmotic and Matric Potentials Are Commonly Negative Because the Soil