When a solute is dissolved in water, it reduces the water potential because concentration of water in a solution is less than that in pure water. The measure of reduction in water pollution because of solute is called solute potential. Since, solute potential always has a negative impact on water potential, so its value is always negative. For a solution at atmospheric pressure, its water potential is equal to solute potential. When a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure is applied, then water potential of the solute increases. This is illustrated by following equation: y = y; ty, Here; yw is water potential, y, is solute potential and yp is pressure potential.