this is the article i had to write for my introduction to soils and plant growth class for my first assignment. stew helped me edit it. :) enjoy!
Water and Plants
By: Laura Krische
Water is vital, water is essential, and without it there can be no life. Water functions as a major component of the plant ecosystem. It transports minerals and nutrients essential for survival of the plant and the surrounding systems. Unbalanced water levels can affect the overall health of both indoor and outdoor plant varieties. Proper water management of your plants is important.
Like all other flora and fauna on Earth, plants reside inside of an interdependent ecosystem. One part of the process is similar to a human swallowing a vitamin into their digestive system. After being processed in the stomach the minerals are released into the bloodstream and delivered to the various organs and cells so they can replenish and regenerate. Plants derive their nutrients from the soils they are anchored to with water acting like the bloodstream. Water transports nutrients from the soil, into the roots and eventually up the stem and then into the leaves, flowers and fruits.
Although plants are on average about 90% water, they still require food, water, sun and a growing medium to reach maturity and eventually bloom. Growing mediums such as compost, peet, and other organic material play a particularly vital role in plant development because the growing medium effects plant size, flower and fruit quality, and quantity. Quality sunlight is instrumental in the photosynthesis process; photosynthesis via chlorophyl converts sunlight and CO2 into energy for the plant. Some plants and flowers are able to thrive on limited amounts of food and sun in some of the harshest environments on the planet, but even they need water. Most of the plants and flowers used by weekend gardeners require a liberal volume of the aforementioned with extra attention paid to H20.
Water is the bearer of life but if a harmonious balance is not reached, the results are disastrous to the plant and its surrounding environment. External weather patterns result in a wide range of water levels and in non-commercial ventures this typically equates into either too much or too little water. Problems occur when the water levels are too high, the plant will drown. Ensuring that the soil is well drained (indoor or outdoor) will also prevent such issues as root rot, wilting and stunting. Conversely a scarcity of water can increase leaf burn, leaf wilting, and stem bending. Unless the plant is designed for xeriscaping the lack of water will impede the transport of the nutrients and minerals needed for survival.
To achieve healthy looking plants, with less effort, and a smaller water bill, exploring avenues such as native plants are ideal. They have already adapted to the existing soil conditions and weather patterns.
The next time you turn on the hose, why not take a few seconds to think about how water affects the plant, its surroundings and the transport system it uses to deliver its water.
