Pedotransfer functions and their application to soil water dynamics

Pedotransfer functions (PTFs) are equations that use basic soil attributes, such as soil texture and soil bulk density, which are easier to measure, to predict those that are harder to determine, such as soil hydraulic parameters, for modeling relevant earth system processes. Here, we give a general overview of PTF development with a focus on soil hydraulic attributes and discuss different categories of PTFs. Frequently used metrics for PTF optimization and evaluation are summarized. We conclude the Chapter by providing an example application of how PTFs are used in modeling soil water movement and how uncertainty in soil hydraulic parameter estimates propagates to derived state variable quantities.