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How plants absorb water? - Coggle Diagram
How plants absorb water?
How water gets into plants
Osmosis
Movement of water molecules
From area of concentration (soil)
With a membrane in the roots
To an area of low concentration
To maximize water absorption
Plants have roots that are:
Small
Fibrous
With many mini hairs
How water travels up a plants
When the water is traveling with the osmosis process
Pressure inside the cells builds
After there is enough water the pressure of the cell expels the water
This water travels to the next cell
Once the water has feed all the cells
It enters the xylem vessels
Located in the center of the root
They are in charge of transporting water and mineral nutrients in the plant
Transpirational pull
Movement of a plant against gravity created by the water evaporation from the leaf pores
Water moves up in a continuous column
How plants absorb water in different soil types
Depending on the soil type, it's the capacity of absorption
It depends on the structure and texture
The amount of organic matter determines size and number of pores in the soil
Soil pores
"Gaps between soil particles in which water or air is held"
Coarse material=large pores=quick drain
Fine material=small pores=slow drain
What happens when there is too much or too little water?
Dehydrated plants
This also blocks the delivery of important nutrients to cells
This results in:
Slow and stunted growth
Poor or no flowers
Undersized fruits
Premature leaf drop
Increased probability of pest and diseases
Dry spells block the water channels
Wilting is the first symptom of dehydrated plants
Two types:
Temporary wilting
Warm and windy days
Stomas are open and transpiration is high
Quick water loss more quickly than absorption
They recuperate overnight
Permanent wilting
Not enough water in the soil
The only solution is for the plant to get water
For example a rainfall
Waterlogged plants
In this condition water replaces oxygen in the soil pores
Roots need the oxygen
This to turn sugar into energy
The vital processes of plants are interrupted
The only solution is for oxygen to get again into the roots
Symptoms:
Leaf drop
Black roots
Yellowing
Dead patches
Fluctuating moisture levels
Soils that change from dry to wet between seasons are challenging for plants
Solutions:
Installing irrigation
And drainage systems
Planting raised beds
Digging organic material
This also can affect fruits:
It is seen in mould
And cracked skin
Poor nutrients absorption
