Soft water has __________ light penetration than harder water.

Soft water has lower light penetration than harder water due to its differences in chemical composition. Soft water typically contains fewer dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, compared to hard water. These minerals have the ability to scatter and absorb light. When light passes through water, the presence of dissolved substances can affect the clarity and depth of light penetration.

In the case of soft water, the lower concentration of these minerals allows more light to penetrate, but because of the presence of organic materials and other components that may be more prevalent in soft water conditions, overall light penetration can also be reduced. This means that aquatic plants and organisms may receive less sunlight, which can affect their growth and productivity. This phenomenon is why understanding the relationship between water hardness and light penetration is crucial in aquatic pest management and ecology.