Yes, the concepts of cohesion and adhesion are directly applicable in explaining the phenomenon of meniscus formation in liquid columns. A meniscus is the curve seen at the surface of a liquid in response to its container. In the case of water, a concave meniscus typically forms in a glass container. This concave shape is due to water's adhesive properties: the water molecules are more attracted to the glass surface than to each other, causing the water to climb up the sides of the container slightly. Conversely, cohesion acts to keep the water molecules together, resulting in the curved surface. The balance between these cohesive forces within the liquid and the adhesive forces between the liquid and the container walls determines the shape of the meniscus. Understanding meniscus formation is important in many scientific measurements, as it affects how liquids are read in volumetric equipment like pipettes and graduated cylinders.

The high surface tension of water plays a significant role in its purification through distillation. Distillation is a process where water is heated to create steam, which is then cooled to condense back into liquid water, leaving behind many impurities. The surface tension of water is related to its boiling point; the stronger the hydrogen bonds (which contribute to surface tension), the higher the energy required to break these bonds and transition to the gaseous state. This means that water needs to reach a relatively high temperature to vaporize. During distillation, when water is heated, its surface tension decreases slightly, aiding in the formation of steam. However, its relatively high boiling point ensures that non-volatile impurities (those that do not easily vaporize) are left behind. Therefore, the high surface tension, through its influence on boiling point, helps in ensuring that when water is vaporized during distillation, it does so selectively, effectively separating it from many contaminants.

Cohesion and adhesion significantly impact soil moisture retention and its availability to plants. Soil moisture is crucial for plant growth, providing necessary water and nutrients. Cohesion in water refers to the attraction between water molecules, which helps to keep water molecules together in the soil. This cohesive force contributes to the formation of thin films of water around soil particles, which are readily available for plant roots to absorb. Adhesion, on the other hand, is the attraction between water molecules and soil particles. This property is essential for retaining water in the soil: water molecules adhere to the surfaces of soil particles, preventing the water from draining away too quickly and keeping it accessible to plant roots. The balance between these two properties determines how well a soil type can retain water. Soils with higher clay content, for instance, have a greater capacity for adhesion, thus holding water more effectively. However, too much adhesion can lead to waterlogged soil, which is detrimental to plant health. Therefore, understanding the cohesive and adhesive properties of water is essential in agriculture and environmental science for managing soil moisture levels and ensuring optimal plant growth.

Water's adhesive properties play a crucial role in the formation of dew on plant leaves. Dew forms when water vapor in the air condenses into liquid water on surfaces like leaves. The adhesive property of water allows water molecules in the vapor phase to stick to the leaf surfaces. As the temperature drops, especially during the night or early morning, water vapor condenses on the cooler surface of the leaves. The adhesion between the water molecules and the leaf surface enables the formation of water droplets. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable on surfaces that are hydrophilic (water-attracting). The presence of dew on leaves is important for several reasons: it can provide additional moisture to plants, especially in arid environments, and it can affect the microclimate around the leaf surface, influencing processes such as photosynthesis and transpiration.

Surface tension has a significant impact on the rate of water evaporation. In environments where surface tension is high, such as in pure water, the cohesive forces between water molecules are strong. This cohesion makes it more difficult for molecules at the surface to escape into the air, thus reducing the rate of evaporation. Conversely, when surface-active agents (surfactants) are present, they reduce the surface tension by disrupting the hydrogen bonding network at the water's surface. This reduction in surface tension makes it easier for water molecules to escape, increasing the evaporation rate. In natural environments, the presence of organic materials and pollutants can act as surfactants, affecting local evaporation rates. In biological contexts, such as transpiration in plants, the surface tension of water within leaf structures can influence the rate at which water is lost to the atmosphere, impacting plant hydration and temperature regulation.