Decrease in water potential caused by the adsorption of water to soil surfaces is called:

Correct option is B

✔️ (b) Matric potential: Matric potential is the component of water potential in soil that arises due to the adhesion of water molecules to soil particles.
· It is always negative and reduces the overall water potential
· Significant in unsaturated soils, where water is held in micropores
· Plays a key role in soil moisture availability to plants
❌ (a) Pressure potential: Refers to hydrostatic pressure in the xylem of plants, not soil water retention.
❌ (c) Osmotic potential: Arises due to solute concentration in water, relevant in plant cells and saline soils, not adsorption to soil particles.
❌ (d) Gravitational potential: Accounts for the downward movement of water due to gravity, not its retention.