matric potential

(ψ_m) That component of the *water potential of plants and soils that is due to capillary and imbibitional forces. Thus the water potential of cell walls and intercellular spaces is largely due to matric potential. Values of matric potentials are always negative and range from 0 bar in fully turgid tissues to -10 bar in slightly wilted plants. See also osmotic potential , pressure potential.