RETC

RETC, now in its latest version 6.02, is a sophisticated computer program developed by the University of California, Riverside (UCR). This tool is specifically designed to analyze soil water retention and hydraulic conductivity functions of unsaturated soils, crucial for any quantitative description of water flow in the unsaturated zone of soils. The program offers valuable insights for researchers and scientists in the field of soil science.

Available as Retc.exe, and RetC_602.exe, the program files are moderately sized at 12.8 MB and can be easily managed on a wide array of supported OS including Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11. This extensive compatibility ensures that users with different operating systems can benefit from its features.

Aside from the latest version, earlier releases such as 6.0, and 1.0 are also accessible for those who may have specific needs. Categorized under Education, particularly the Science Tools subcategory, RETC is targeted at academic and research institutions.

Free download options can be particularly appealing for students and researchers who require robust analytical tools without the added financial burden. The program, however, is specifically tailored for those interested in soil science, making it a niche tool.

Pros:

• Highly informative for analyzing soil water retention and hydraulic conductivity.
• Free download, making it accessible to a broad audience, especially in academia.
• Supports multiple Windows OS versions, offering extensive compatibility.

Cons:

• Niche functionality limits its utility outside of specialized scientific research.
• User interface may be outdated by modern standards, requiring some acclimatization for new users.

You may want to check out more software, such as SRIM, StatPlus or StarCalc, which might be similar to RETC.