What is Pressure Potential?
Pressure potential (Ψp) is a component of water potential that represents the physical pressure exerted by water in a plant cell or soil. It is the pressure that must be applied to prevent the net flow of water across a semipermeable membrane.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the water potential (Ψw) value in MPa. This represents the potential energy of water in the system compared to pure water at atmospheric pressure. Negative values are common in plants.
- Enter the solute potential (Ψs) value in MPa. This represents the effect of solutes on water potential. As solute concentration increases, solute potential becomes more negative.
- Click the "Calculate" button to compute the pressure potential.
- Review the calculation formula and interpretation of the results.
Significance in Plant Physiology
Pressure potential is crucial for understanding plant water relations:
- Positive pressure potential (Ψp > 0) indicates turgor pressure in plant cells, which is essential for maintaining cell rigidity and plant structure.
- Negative pressure potential (Ψp < 0) indicates that water is under tension or being pulled toward a region of higher solute concentration.
- The pressure potential gradient drives water movement through plants from areas of higher potential to areas of lower potential.
Example Applications
This calculator can be used by:
- Agronomists to assess water stress in crops
- Plant physiologists studying water relations in different plant species
- Soil scientists evaluating soil water potential
- Horticulturists managing greenhouse environments